The internet has transformed daily life in countless ways, including how people consume information and entertainment. For millions, traditional reading has been replaced by online videos, movies, TV shows, and music. As a result, book sales declined for nearly two decades. Recently, however, signs point to a reversal: print book sales are rising, some bookstores are expanding, and new independent shops are opening. After years of struggle, is this resurgence real?
According to AI Overview, the answer is yes: “Books, especially physical ones, are experiencing a significant comeback.” Several factors are driving the trend. Social media platforms such as #BookTok have boosted interest, particularly among younger readers. There is also a generational shift toward tangible items, and after years of digital overload, many people seek a “digital detox.” These elements have contributed to increased print sales and the growth of chains like Barnes & Noble as well as independent bookstores.
The revival extends beyond print. Audiobooks and various digital formats are also seeing gains.
Print Sales Trends
Print book sales in 2025 exceeded those of 2024, marking the second consecutive year of growth. However, Circana BookScan reports the increase was modest—just 0.3%.
Certain categories performed strongly. Sales of the Bible, the all-time best-selling book, rose 12% in 2025, reaching a 21-year high. In adult fiction, driven by BookTok trends and romance novels, sales increased 3.9%. Rebecca Yarros’s Onyx Storm sold over 1.7 million copies in this category. Adult nonfiction and young adult fiction, however, saw declines of 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively.
Overall, 2025 sales did not reach pandemic-era highs of 2021, but the market has stabilized at a level higher than pre-2020, according to an article on Zero Hedge. Young readers have contributed to this stability, favoring a wide range of genres including fantasy, romance, and mystery.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the positive trends, book publishing and reading face significant obstacles. Video content competes effectively with reading, offering vibrant visuals, music, and other stimuli that are harder to match. Book prices have also risen sharply—approximately 50% between 2021 and 2025—pricing out some buyers.
A deeper issue is literacy levels. According to The Literacy Project, the average American reads at a 7th- to 8th-grade level, meaning many popular books may be inaccessible to a large portion of the population. This challenge is nationwide.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) ranks Massachusetts, New Jersey, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Connecticut highest in reading scores. New Mexico, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Delaware, and the District of Columbia rank lowest, frequently falling below the national average for elementary-grade reading.
Positive Indicators
Despite decades of declining sales, the market for books remains substantial. More than 787 million books were purchased in 2024, the latest full year of available data. Sales are now near pandemic-era highs, even with higher prices.
Amazon, the world’s largest bookseller, receives between 2.3 and 2.8 billion visits per month, indicating strong ongoing interest in books, whether for personal reading or gifts.
Sales of Kindle e-readers rose 30% year over year in 2024, and audiobook sales have also increased.
Script Wallah notes that reading has become more communal: “It’s now a shared passion, discussed in comment sections, reading groups, and virtual book clubs. There’s a renewed sense of discovery—people are exploring genres they never touched before, from translated fiction to graphic novels, poetry, and self-help.” Still, 46% of Americans reported not reading a book in 2023, according to Zero Hedge.
Political books remain popular. Every book by conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly has become a bestseller, as have titles by other news personalities.
Controversies in Publishing
In 2024, former Vice President Kamala Harris signed a book deal for 107 Days, reportedly receiving a $20 million advance. Initial reports suggested the book might include critical details about former President Biden’s challenges, but Biden loyalists reportedly warned they would counter with unflattering information about Harris if needed.
Books are not always neutral. A broader battle exists over content, particularly what stories and subjects are appropriate for young readers and what should be restricted. Materials that appear harmless can influence children’s thinking, values, and lifestyles for years.
Recent visits to public libraries reveal titles, language, and illustrations in children’s sections that have prompted concern among some religious and family groups, leading to calls for caution or restrictions.
Outlook
It is too early to determine whether the recent increase in book sales signals a major, sustained trend. However, the data suggest a stabilization and modest recovery. Many Americans appear to be experiencing “internet overload,” prompting a search for alternatives, including reading. As in other areas of life, people may be seeking change and balance.
Sources: Circana BookScan; Script Wallah; Zero Hedge; YouTube: “Are People Still Buying Books In 2025?”
Gerald Harris is a financial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
