What features do not work? Just the network and buying from Amazon? Or can you not read anything currently on your device?
If they really bricked it I think I would go get the source code and change it, or compile something to take its place. Some apps may need to have a GPL'ed replacement created just for this purpose. In fact, the one thing Amazon probably fears most is loosing control of their 'locked in' market, and GPL'ed apps that don't require the .azw format are just the way to achieve that.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200203720
http://danielchoi.com/software/kindle-feeds.html
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/10257
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13580_3-9838934-39.html
Besides that you can always buy books from somewhere else and/or convert them yourself as long as the reader app works.
http://calibre.kovidgoyal.net/
http://blog.fsck.com/2009/04/savory.html
http://www.blogkindle.com/2009/04/epub-and-pdf-support/
http://www.mobipocket.com/en/eBooks/...5&Origine=5637