For the first time in a year, sales of religious books saw a small increase in December, while overall book sales decreased by 0.2% to $1.5 billion but were up by 4.1% for the year, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP).

The month's sales for religious books were up 0.6%, to $52.7 million, although the category was down by 9% for the year at $588.7 million. The months-long slide in sales of religious books halted in November, with no change over October. Previously, sales of religious books had been on a steady decline since January 2009.

The bright spot in the AAP report was e-book sales, which continued to rise in December, with sales of $19.1 million for the month--reflecting an increase of 119.7% for December and 176.6% for the year.

The Adult Hardcover category was up by 9.7% in December with sales of $119.9 million, and year-to-date sales were up by 6.9%. Adult Paperback sales decreased 10.3% for the month--posting $119 million in sales--and was down 5.2% for the year.

The Children's/Young Adult Hardcover category decreased by 49.5% for the month with sales of $58.8 million, and year-to-date sales were down by 5%. The Paperback category for the same age decreased by 14.1% in December with sales totaling $46.8 million, and sales rose by 2.2% for the year.

Audiobook sales increased 13% in December--with sales totaling $16.4 million--but the category's year-to-date sales were down by 12.9%.

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