The Good Cook Book Club

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[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?

 

[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.

 

[theloggg]

I joined my wife (read: I joined myself a second time) but I haven't heard back and that was over a month ago. I think they are on to us.

 

[isa]

Of all the things one could be addicted to, the best has to be cookbooks. I hope to be addicted to them for the rest of my life. One thing is for sure, I will never join cookbook anonymous.

[ 02-07-2001: Message edited by: Sisi ]

 

[marzoli]

I'd have to agree it is an addiction! Once I got interested in cooking (not an easy thing for me to do ) I found so many books I just had to have that they are taking over the place!

 

[seattledeb]

I totally agree Sisi, the anticipation, the opening, oh is there pictures...great instruction....ingredients, methods.....

 

[lorib]

I seem to remember them telling me that you could only have one membership per address(somehow they recognize single family dwellings,perhaps apartment buildings or an address like 121a or b works). So, I signed up my neighbor to get the free books, then cancelled to she wouldn't be bugged.
Please don't spend the grocery money on cookbooks - therein lies the addiction (been there, done that. This is fun to talk about our "addiction" though -

[ 02-08-2001: Message edited by: LoriB ]

 

[cheftony]

I have been a member of The Good Cook book club for a year now. I absolutely am addicted, although I have a problem with returning the cards on time. I just send them back.

 

[depstein]

Two quick questions:
1) What does the Cook Book Club charge on average for shipping and handling (I notice they don't say on their site or in the magazine ads)

2) It looks like the web site has the best sign up deal. You get four books for $1 each, with only 2 more to buy. The strange thing is, that some books, like the Professional Chef, or French Laundry do NOT say they count as 2 selections on the web site (whereas they do count as 2 if you order through a magazine). This would seem to be the best way to sign up if you wanted these books (can anyone confirm whether this is true?) I was able to add the above 2 books to my cart, as well as 2 more books. I didn't complete the order, but it seems like it would have worked. Any opinions?
Thanks for the help

 

[markdchef]

This is a great way to stock up on cookbooks for a lot less money than buying at B&N or Borders. I love this club!

 

[pooh]

Iza,

Chances are they will ignore you.

They ignored me!

 

[isa]

Pooh,

I'm starting to feel ignored but I am not ready to give up yet.