Thank you for the info.
I'm trying the downgrade one more time. If that does not work, I'll try the database modification, hopefully with help from my husband.
I'm thinking that no matter what happens, I'm buying a Kindle Paperwhite to supplement the Kobo. I just want something to read on, and if it weren't for 1.9.6 taking FOREVER to process new ebooks I would stay with it. Shelves are nice, but not at the expense of my sanity. :s