While the print publishing industry continues to contract, one area bucks the trend, and has for years. In fact, it shows no sign of slowing down. That area, of course, is cookbooks. So what it is about this genre that allows it to be a publishing juggernaut? Sophia Podini, writing for Her Campus, gives us her theory for why cookbooks continue to beat the algorithm.

Podini starts out by comparing cookbooks to 'relics' like DVDs and iPods. Whew, that made me feel old because I remember when those items were introduced! However, it does drive home the point: cookbooks continue when fads die or technologies are replaced by the latest invention. At one point, people were convinced that the same would happen to cookbooks: e-books or online sources would replace books and they too would quietly fade away. Of course, that has not happened and in fact, cookbooks continue to grow in popularity.

The reason behind this, explains Podini, is that "There’s an unexplainable grounding and almost luxurious feeling about flipping through a great cookbook." She notes that unlike seeing the latest viral TikTok and trying it, cookbooks are more cohesive and generally contain a collection of recipes that go together, so you can make an entire meal from one source. Podini also loves the tactile feel of cookbooks - something that resonated with me. Since I worked in a library from the age of 16 until I was through college, the feel (and smell) of books has always been special to me. Long live the cookbook.