Passing For Normal

I am One Broke Puppy just now. It's been a big year for medical expenses, and my optional income... largely isn't.

Before the extent of the budget crunch became clear, however, I managed to get my hands on a Kindle, and now I can't imagine how I ever lived without it. AWESOMENESS.

I would like to acquire certain long-beloved and oft-reread books in electronic format. Problem is, I can't afford to buy the ebook versions, and I no longer have physical copies of them because of my longtime practice of gifting favorite books.

Back when I had money, I loved the idea of giving away my own copies of beloved books that I had read, and that my friend would then read in turn. When I wanted to reread a book or a series of books, I'd buy them again and start the whole chain back in motion. I got to thank the author with my wallet by making multiple purchases of their work, and also share my joys with my friends.

Point being, I've paid royalties on each of the books I'm seeking at least once and usually two or three or even four times over.

Is that enough? Can I, then, ethically justify *cough* acquiring electronic, Kindle-compatible copies of them without paying yet again, now that my finances are so constrained?

Opinions sought. Discussion welcomed. I've been chewing this over for a few months, and I could really use some input.