I ask because I really have no idea. It seems that with finite “entertainment time”, and with increasing sources of home entertainment (TV, video games, Internet, computer games, etc.) that the amount of books that the average American purchases and reads would be on the decline.
Yet the phenomenon of the “blockbuster” book seems to be as strong as ever, such as Harry Potter and novels by Tom Clancy, Steven King, etc. But perhaps the book industry as a whole is slowly losing ground?
Book sales statistics:
http://www.publishers.org/stats/2000prelim.htm
There seemed to be a peak in 1999, but sales have been falling for two years in a row. I’m not really sure how much of the growth during the 90’s has been a function of inflation and increased prices.
A positive trend has been the relatively large growth in juvenile paperbound books; perhaps this upcoming generation will be one of readers? (or is this a Harry Potter blip?)
If someone who knows more about this subject is around, please jump in 
- Wind