Permanently stuck on "downloading"

I also had this problem with an app that mysteriously started downloading again. I went to the App Store app and stopped the download. Then an Open button appeared.

Here's what I think is going wrong:

I purchase something on my Mac. That initiates a download. But before I can complete the download and sync, the iPad detects the new purchase and initiates a download. In some circumstances, maybe this is how you'd want it to work, but for me that's doubling sometimes large downloads on slow DSL.

I think this represents a conflict of sorts between syncing with iTunes and syncing automatically.

I'm not sure how Apple should fix this, but I've turned off Automatic Downloads for Music, Apps, Books and Updates in Settings > iTunes & App Stores > Automatic Downloads.

Hey Folks, I had this problem and my solution was as follows; I switched countries on the iTunes store and then switched back to the original country. I was then able to click on purchase. Then it told me iTunes told me I had already purchased the book but gave me the option to download and voila, I got the book! Hope this helps!