The Cookbook Whore strikes again!

So recently I have switched obsessions. Although I still like reading about bento and intend to keep packing lunches as much as I can, I've gone back to my cookbook whoring days. This can be just as expensive as my bento habit, but at least I won't be paying outrageous amounts for overseas shipping.

I think in the past 2 weeks I've bought at least 8 cookbooks. I know!! Can I at least justify it by saying that I tried to use my handy Borders coupons whenever possible? Or that I'm also going through books already in my collection and weeding out ones that I just really won't ever use?

While nothing can compare to the instant gratification of coming out of a bookstore with a new purchase in my hands, I am trying to find the best deal -- whether by store coupons, online, etc.

The other night, I thought I'd found my new favorite cookbook of the week -- a Middle Eastern cookbook that looked like it was one of a kind. It was $29.95, which to me is a bit steep for an impulse buy. I bought it nonetheless, thinking where else would I be able to find it. Ummm, yeah a quick search on Amazon showed me that I could have bought it for under $20. Okay, so back to the store it went and I updated my wish list accordingly.

This morning, since I was going to be grocery shopping at some stores not that close to us (a Whole Foods and an Indo/Pak grocery store), I thought I'd pop into a used bookstore that's in the area. I had some books I was wanting to get rid of and thought I might as well browse while they tallied up my store credit.

Well imagine my utter glee when I spot the cookbook from the other night. That was a sign that it was meant to be. And to add to the glory, it was the original hardback version, whereas the one I'd returned was a re-issued paperback. And finally, it was only $10!! I would have to be stupid not buy it. A quick glance through the book assured me it was in good condition and I cautiously guarded my new treasure lest some other cookbook whore chance upon it.

Oh but I'm not done yet.

I also spotted a copy of The Gourmet Cookbook. You know, the big-ass thick huge yellow cookbook that goes for $40 in stores. That one. Except this one was only $15!

Don't you just love ridiculously good luck?