I think there is a way technically with something like trueimage or clonezilla, but I’ve never used it. Always thought of my VM as a learning tool, and then used what I learnt to fresh install on real hardware

Don’t wait. Experiment now in a VM to learn the basics.

This is my biggest problem, but my eyesight is worse even with corrective glasses. I just listen a chapter at a time, it’s the only way I can do it.

Firstly, forget the books

Secondly try to convince yourself that two or disparate storylines somehow will combine at some point to become meaningful.

Thirdly for some odd reason I still enjoy it

Sounds good, still not forgiven them for foundation, although if you forget the books it is quite an enjoyable story in its own right

Voting for Wool as it makes sense to read the book before checking out how AppleTV have (maybe) destroyed it