So really, the best thing to do is buy the actual book (not ebook) from a legit online or brick & mortar bookstore?

If you want the ebook, and but it from a reputable source, buy the ebook.

The more electronic life becomes, the harder it is for artists to profit from their work because electronic media is so easily pirated. Remember napster?

Bingo. And, bit torrent aside, these outlaw days will end, as they largely have for music.