Sales of Bibles are experiencing a remarkable increase, indicating a significant trend in American consumer behavior. In 2025, Bible sales surged by approximately 12 percent compared to the previous year, according to a report from The New York Times. This rise follows a notable spike in 2024, where sales jumped by an impressive 22 percent through October, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. This series of increases suggests a growing interest in the Bible amidst a broader landscape where total print book sales reached about 707 million units in 2025, coming close to the pandemic-era peak of 2021.
Dominique Raccah, the publisher of Sourcebooks, remarked on the ongoing transformation of the book industry, stating, “The [book] industry itself is in transformation, which is always very challenging.” The rise in Bible sales appears to be part of a larger shift as readers seek out texts that resonate with their beliefs and values.
In September alone, sales soared to 2.4 million Bibles, marking a 36 percent increase from the same month in 2024. This surge is notably linked to the aftermath of significant events, including the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Such incidents may drive consumers to seek solace and guidance in scripture during tumultuous times.
The news isn’t limited to Bible sales; other genres, such as romance novels, are also thriving. Romance book sales increased by about 5 percent in 2025. This growth in various genres suggests a buoyancy in the book market, which is striving to regain post-pandemic momentum.
The environment for booksellers is similarly promising. A total of 422 new bookstores joined the American Booksellers Association in 2025, nearly a hundred more than the previous year. Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million have expanded their footprints, with Barnes & Noble opening 55 new locations and Books-A-Million adding 18 stores. This trend towards opening new bookstores signals a renewed interest in physical book shopping, potentially as a counter to the digital dominance of large retailers.
Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, noted the importance of this movement, stating, “It’s exciting to see so many people shopping in alignment with their values.” She attributes this shift as a response to the broader turmoil in the nation, indicating a preference for independent bookstores, which she describes as “an antidote for the time we’re living in.”
In summary, the uptick in Bible sales, alongside the growth of independent bookstores and the resilience of the print market, suggests that many consumers are searching for connection and meaning through traditional means of literature amid a changing cultural landscape. As the book industry adapts, the growing sales figures underscore the enduring appeal of the Bible and other literary works that resonate deeply with readers’ values and experiences.
"*" indicates required fields
