For those serving time, books can be more than just a pastime, they become lifelines. At Corrections Book Store, we specialize in sending correctional-approved books to inmates across the U.S. Our carefully selected titles provide mental stimulation, emotional support, spiritual guidance, and educational resources.
Whether your loved one is seeking personal growth, entertainment, or a deeper purpose, the right book can change everything. In this blog, we explore the top books that make a difference in prison, handpicked for rehabilitation, self-help, faith, fiction, and more.
Why Books Matter in Prison
Books are essential in prison for several reasons:
- Mental escape: Reading helps inmates cope with isolation.
- Education & self-improvement: Many use books to earn diplomas, learn skills, or grow spiritually.
- Emotional healing: Stories can comfort those struggling with depression or anxiety.
- Structure & routine: Books help inmates build productive daily habits.
Reading behind bars isn’t just a hobby, it’s a pathway to hope, purpose, and transformation.
Top Books That Make a Difference Behind Bars
Here is a list of top books that we picked for you:
1. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Category: Self-Help / Strategy
Why It Matters:
This timeless bestseller is a favorite among inmates for its raw honesty about power, influence, and control. It teaches how to navigate systems, including prison politics, through strategy and observation.
What Makes It Special:
Greene’s writing is direct, powerful, and full of historical examples that resonate in a correctional environment. Many inmates read it repeatedly and share it with others.
2. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X & Alex Haley
Category: Biography / Inspiration
Why It Matters:
This transformative story shows how Malcolm X evolved from a hustler to a revolutionary leader. Inmates relate to his early struggles and gain hope from his spiritual and mental rebirth.
What Makes It Special:
It’s a real, raw journey of growth through incarceration. It validates the belief that change is possible, no matter your past.
3. Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul by Jack Canfield
Category: Emotional Healing / Spiritual
Why It Matters:
Full of heartfelt stories from and about inmates, this book is designed specifically for those behind bars. It offers comfort, encouragement, and wisdom.
What Makes It Special:
This edition is tailored to the prison experience and helps inmates feel seen, heard, and hopeful.
4. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Category: Self-Help / Philosophy
Why It Matters:
A short but powerful book that teaches how thoughts shape destiny. It’s especially impactful in environments where positive thinking is hard to maintain.
What Makes It Special:
Many incarcerated individuals consider this a daily meditation guide. Its compact size also makes it prison-approved for facilities with space or size restrictions.
5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Category: Motivation / Finance
Why It Matters:
While originally written as a business success guide, this book is now a rehabilitation tool. It encourages self-discipline, goal-setting, and changing one’s mindset.
What Makes It Special:
Its principles are widely used by inmates to plan post-release success, from business ideas to educational goals.
6. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Category: Memoir / Leadership
Why It Matters:
Mandela’s story of being imprisoned for 27 years and then rising to lead a nation is the ultimate tale of endurance, purpose, and forgiveness.
What Makes It Special:
Inmates identify with his patience, pain, and vision. The message is simple: you are more than your sentence.
7. Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
Category: Non-Fiction / Education
Why It Matters:
This book teaches inmates about geopolitics in an easy-to-read format. It offers intellectual stimulation and a broader view of the world.
What Makes It Special:
It's educational without being overwhelming, perfect for those looking to learn and grow during incarceration.
8. Urban Fiction Books
Category: Street Lit / Entertainment
Why It Matters:
Urban fiction speaks the language of many inmates. These books entertain, reflect real-life struggles, and often carry messages about consequences and change.
What Makes It Special:
Corrections Book Store offers urban fiction bundles specially curated for prisons, ensuring compliance and cultural relevance.
9. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Category: Psychology / Memoir / Philosophy
Why It Matters:
Written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, this book explores how finding purpose, even in suffering—can help anyone survive the darkest situations.
What Makes It Special:
Inmates often say this book helps them rediscover meaning in life, even while incarcerated. It's short, powerful, and deeply transformative.
10. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Category: Spirituality / Mindfulness
Why It Matters:
This book teaches inmates to detach from past regrets and future anxiety by focusing on the present moment.
What Makes It Special:
Many incarcerated readers credit this book with improving their emotional and spiritual peace. It's used by some in daily meditation routines behind bars.
How to Order Books from Corrections Book Store
Ordering is simple and secure:
- Visit: CorrectionsBookStore.com
- Choose books: Browse approved titles for inmates across categories.
- Enter facility details: Use full name, inmate ID, facility name, and address.
- We handle the rest: We ship using correctional-compliant packaging and methods.
We specialize in sending books to inmates, safely, legally, and reliably.
Why Choose Corrections Book Store?
- Facility-approved titles only
- Books for personal growth, faith, and entertainment
- Fast USPS-insured delivery
- Trusted by thousands of families and inmates nationwide
We exist to help you support your loved one’s journey, with books that truly make a difference behind bars.
Final Thoughts
Books can change lives, especially behind bars. Whether you're looking to inspire your loved one, support their emotional health, or simply brighten their day, the right book matters.
At Corrections Book Store, our mission is to empower inmates through reading. These titles are just a few examples of the transformative power of books in prison. Let your gift be more than pages, let it be a path forward.
Need Help or Want to Place an Order?
We're here to help you send approved books to your loved ones in prison.
- Phone: 201.559.0592
- Email: info@correctionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://www.correctionsbookstore.com
You can call, email, or have a loved one contact us directly for book recommendations, shipping questions, or help placing an order.