Alright, to the OP here is my small story.
I was born legally blind (visually impaired) in both eyes, so I have never had great eyesite. I never did much reading because of my eyes. The words would jump on the page, could not find a book in large print, or my reading glasses are so strong (10X prism) that reading was uncomfortable having to hold the book up to my face.
I bought my wife an Amazon Kindle 3 for Christmas because she likes to read and I knew she would love a device like that. I then found this site and started asking questions and trying to learn. I also started using my wife's Kindle and started playing with it. With that device I can read up to 30 minute chunks with up to 60 minutes at a burst. I have never been able to do that. The text can be set to a slightly smaller level and then use my weaker glasses to add a bit of magnification so I do not have to make so many page turns, and it works great.
I have purchased a Jetbook Lite for myself and I am waiting for it to arrive. Another member here told me about their eye problems and the Jetbook is what they use, so that is good enough for me. Now I am enjoying reading and I take my time and am in no rush to complete a book.
To get someone in to reading.....hmmmmm, well for me I started with a movie and then found the books that went with it. My wife and I like Harry Potter and she told me how much better the books are than the movies. I started with the Harry Potter books and she was right. A book is so much better than a movie. I would advise finding someones interests that relate to a movie and start there. If they liked the movie of say "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy", then try the book. I am just a newbie and so far this is an enjoyable ride.