Google Books lists nearly three million free e-books, which can be browsed by clicking on its Free Classics shelf and can be read on most devices, except for Kindles that aren't the KindleFire.

BBC: Free e-books provide unlimited holiday reading

To the right, a button lets you open the book (you can also accomplish this by simply clicking on the book, naturally), view more info on the title, delete it from your shelf or find similar books -- yet another spot for some e-book upselling.

ENGADGET: Kobo Glo review: another illuminated e-reader lights up the market

The offering, which will be underwritten by Citigroup, is expected to occur on March 19, according to a press release issued by E-Trade, and had been in the works for quite some time: a shelf registration to the offering had been filed with the SEC last May.

FORBES: Ken Griffin's E-Trade Move: Billionaire's Citadel To Sell As Stock Hits 52-Week High