I bought an inexpensive book stand. About $10(USD). You can find them at any book store.
It props the book up for me at a 45-50 degree angle, but more importantly it allows me to place the page holders on either side of the covers so that all of the pages are free to turn.
This enables me to 1) Not worry about holding the book, 2) turn the pages smoother, and 3) not have to concentrate on the books position.
Makes the whole process easier for me.
Good Luck.
Andrew