[Pete]

Who all belongs to the Good Cook Bookclub? I have been with them for 3-4 years now and love it! They run so many great deals and I can't think of how many almost free books I have recieved from them. If you are trying to build up a cookbook collection, this is definately the way to go.

[Chef David Simpson]

Hey Pete, what's the source? How do I get info for membership? I've been wanting to get in something like this.

[Mezzaluna]

I got their brochure in the mail a couple of weeks ago, and was wondering about it myself. The address is: The Good Cook, Operated by Bookspan, Camp Hill PA 17012-0001. I was a member of another book club but abandoned it in favor of my local independent bookstore, which I loyally support. I'd be interested in knowing the advantages of joining this, versus ordering directly from my local guys. If the advantages are significant, I'll consider joining.

I have been a member of The Good Cook for a few years. It's great for more current stuff, it keeps me on to of the new books. However, there is a catalog called Jessica's Biscuit that has a HUGE inventory - all cook books, many professional quality. Their web site is: jessicas.com. I am a pastry chef and have gotten quite a few English and Australian cake books through them. Check them out!

[Pete]

The Good Cook is not a full, comprehensive catalog, but they always have the latest, hottest cookbooks and many more. You can usually find their brouchers in foodie mags. such as "Food & Wine", "Gourmet", "Food Arts". It is a typical club. You get 3-5 books for free (just shipping), then you must by 2 more books in 2 years. Their prices are great and they always seem to be running deals like buy 1 book at club price and get all other books you order for 50%, or every book is worth double points. After you buy your required books you start to earn bonus points which you can use to get free books. I love it. But don't expect to find some of the more serious trade books. It is geared towards foodies not chefs, though I always find something I want in it.

I joined a while back. They have great prices. And a lot of those things would never show up locally. I'm sure I would never know they were out there to want!

[layjo]

I'm a four year member! The bonus points work out great! And the deals they have like the 50% off of every book after buying one at regular club price. You just have to keep up with the reply forms or call them and tell them you do or don't want the "book of the month"....but it's a good club.

[theloggg]

Ahhhh, thanks for reminding me. Gotta get my reply card in the mail before feb 1.

[Isa]

I'd love to join. I got Bon Appé*** and there was a add for it. Enjoy 4 books for 1$ each. Some idiot had tore up the card. I exchnaged my copy at the store. Except now the add said Enjoy 3 books for 1$ each. Same magazine different offer.

In small caracters on the add it said members accepted in USA and Canada, offer varies slightly in Canada. I found the website and emailed them asking what the difference was. I get a reply telling me sorry the offer is not valid in Canada. Couldn't believe it. I think I'll send it in anyway and will see what happend.

The url is: http://www.thegoodcook.com/goodcookcgi/home

I am a member of the Good Cook and I must admit, I am rather sorry I joined. It was great to get my first few selections, but after shipping costs, I am not saving much money on these cookbooks. Most of the books I want to get are on back order and they never seem to come in. Also, once I ordered the books I was interested in, the selection does not change that much so I'm stuck just sending the no-order form in month after month.

[Mezzaluna]

I think it's hysterical what the site's software did to Sisi's citation of Bon Appetit! Thanks for the caution, foodnfoto. With that knowledge, I'll shop at my local independent bookstore.

[Isa]

How come it didn't do the same thing when you named the same magazine?

You can return (at their expense) the "Book of the Month" if you don't want it. Just don't open the package (that invalidates the return postage guarantee). I forgot to send in the card so many times, they finally got tired of paying the "return postage guarantee" and put me on a list where I don't have to return the card every month, just if I want to order! Now that I've told you all that, they'll probably come get me!

Ah, there's the rub! I lost the December card while we were moving. Guess I'll be getting the current selection! Since that is usually pretty choice, I'll probably like it. I admit it, I'm a cookbook junkie. For at least 20 years, the only cookbook I had was the Betty Crocker one with red plaid cover. Now I have more than I can find room for. Funny thing is, I'm actually USING them!

[Pete]

You can also phone in to cancel the selection of the month. Also, I don't find shipping to be that expensive. I still save quite a few dollars by ordering from them.