Rating:  - Too much book, too much money.
If this was a quick reference book, then the information contained would be useful. This, unfortunately is a big book containing a little book's amount of useful info. Save your money and print out the mysql users guide that is available online for free. I found myself using the online guide as a reference even when the book was in front of me.
Bottom line: A wide range of methods for doing things you probably already know how to do if you are using mysql.
Rating:  - MySQL help!
The MySQL Cookbook weighs in at over 940 pages and will help you find quick answers to everything from beginner-level basics up through dba and software developer tricks.
The book is a collection of real-world tasks and compliments Paul's DuBois' other MySQL books very well. It goes beyond basic use and admin-level goodies - it has loads of code examples as well. As a software developer using MySQL for many projects, I find the MySQL Cookbook indispensible.
Rating:  - Thick and Lovely
If you deal with MySQL on a daily or weekly basis then this book is a perfect go-to. So many scenarios (recipes) are covered, from simple to fairly advanced.
This second edition is almost twice as thick as the first, but that doesn't mean it's too much to handle since you wouldn't entirely read it from cover to cover because you'll want to go try out so much of it.
This really is worth space on a shelf (digital or not). I would prefer the digital edition since it'd be a breeze to search through.
Rating: - MySQL Recipes Galore!!!
At ~950 pages, the 'MySQL Cookbook' is an EXTENSIVE look at using MySQL from top to bottom. Upgrading this cookbook with lots of new material and Ruby examples, Paul DuBois takes a great book and makes it that much better. There is SO much material it would be difficult to easily condense it all, but I can provide a chapter listing that should make it easier to see all the yummies included within:
01. Using the mysql Client Program
02. Writing MySQL-based Programs
03. Selecting Data
04. Table Management
05. Strings
06. Dates and Times
07. Sorting Query Results
08. Generating Summaries
09. Obtaining and Using Metadata
10. Importing/Exporting Data
11. Generating and Using Sequences
12. Using Multiple Tables
13. Statistical Techniques
14. Handling Duplicates
15. Transactions
16. Stored Procedures, Triggers, Events
17. MySQL on the Web
18. Incorporating Query Results into Web Pages
19. Processing Web Input with MySQL
20. Using MySQL-Based Web Session Management
Add on 4 appendixes and 250+ tips/tricks/recipes/yummies (yes 250!) and you have an indispensable reference for any and all MySQL developers and/or administrators. Solid layout and regular fantastic O'Reilly writing make this a MUST HAVE book for MySQL users. Go out and get it now!!
***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rating: - Excellent Reading for MySQL Users
The MySQL Cookbook removes some abstraction from reading the docs. The recipes are concise answers to real-world questions about how to accomplish specific goals with MySQL. It covers common vexing problems that would require significant spelunking in the manuals or web search engines. The recipes provide more clarifying context than the manual, making it easier to learn how to use all those arcane features you had barely noticed. Great as a reference or, upgrade your brain by reading a few entries a day.
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