Religious books posted an increase of 21.1% in May, with sales of $37 million, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Also on the plus side, religious books sales were up by 7.2% for the year.

In contrast, religious books saw sales decreases in March and April, although overall sales for the year were up during that time, AAP previously reported.

Total book sales in May rose 18.3% for the month, with yearly sales also up with an increase of 8.9% compared to last year.

The Adult Hardcover category was up by 28.5% in May with sales of $156.7 million. Sales were also up by 21.2% for the category for the year. Adult Paperback sales declined by 1.8% for the month, with sales of $108.9 million and sales were down 2% for the year.

The Adult Mass Market category rose by 28.5% for May, with sales totaling $86.4 million, but down by 1.7% for the year.

The Children's/Young Adult (YA) Hardcover category declined by 4.4% for the month, with sales of $42.7 million. However, sales for the year were up by 14.3%. The Children's/YA Paperback category increased 13.9% in May, with sales totaling $43.2 million. Sales were up by 9.3% for the year.

Audio Book sales posted an increase of 8.1% for April compared to last year's figures, with sales totaling $12.3 million. Sales for the year in that category were up by 14.2%. E-books sales rose by 13.8% for the month, with sales of $2.5 million and an increase of 14.2% for the year.

Audio Book sales posted an increase of 34.6% for May compared to last year's figures, with sales totaling $20.3 million. Sales for the year in that category were up by 22.6%. E-books sales rose by 13.6% for the month, with sales of $2.8 million and an increase of 21.2% for the year.

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