Books and bucks

Book sales were up in November, the Association of American Publishers reported yesterday, but not by much. While hardcover sales were up 16.8 percent over the previous month, the year-to-year comparison with 2005 was only a 3.3 percent increase. The year-to-year figures are the most revealing, since some people start Christmas shopping in November, which can bring a large jump over October. Year-to-year numbers (that is, January through November, compared with the year before) show which categories are strong or weak over time.

Adult paperback: up 11.6 percent. Children's/Young Adult: down 30.1 percent (no Harry Potter in 2006!). Audio books: down 11.7 percent. E-books: up 22.4 percent. University press hardcover: up 3.8 percent. Religious books: down 9.5 percent.