Reading behind bars isn’t just a pastime, it’s a lifeline. In correctional facilities across the U.S., books offer inmates hope, education, entertainment, and a critical path toward personal transformation. At Corrections Book Store, we specialize in providing the most in-demand books that inmates truly love and request again and again.
Whether you’re a family member looking to send meaningful reading material or a prison librarian curating a collection, this blog highlights the most requested books by prisoners and explains why they matter.
Why Books Matter in Prison
Books in prison offer more than just escape, they serve as:
- Tools for mental strength and rehabilitation
- Sources of inspiration and healing
- Educational resources for GED prep or college
- Entertainment and stress relief
- A way to stay connected with the outside world
Inmates often rely on books to develop structure, purpose, and vision for life after incarceration. That’s why it's essential to provide titles that are approved, impactful, and relevant.
Top Requested Book Categories in U.S. Prisons
1. Urban Fiction (Street Lit)
Urban fiction is raw, relatable, and often mirrors the lives many inmates have lived. These gritty, fast-paced novels explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, power, and survival.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
Urban lit speaks their language, offers entertainment, and creates a strong emotional connection.
2. Self-Help & Motivational Books
Books that offer guidance, encouragement, and tools for change are heavily requested.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
These books empower readers to reflect, grow, and take control of their mindset and behavior behind bars.
3. Religious & Spiritual Reads
Spirituality is a central part of prison life for many. Bibles and religious texts are constantly requested.
Popular Picks Include:
- The Bible (King James Version)
-
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- The Power of Praying Through the Bible
Why Inmates Love It:
Spiritual books provide comfort, structure, and guidance, especially during challenging seasons.
4. True Crime & Biographies
Inmates are fascinated by real-life stories of redemption, crime, and survival.
Popular Picks Include:
- Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member by Sanyika Shakur
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Why Inmates Love It:
They connect with the struggles and victories of real people. These books also provide lessons and perspective.
5. Activity & Puzzle Books
Keeping the mind engaged is key to managing prison time productively.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
These books help pass time while improving focus, vocabulary, and brain function.
6. Spanish Language Books
Spanish-speaking inmates request culturally relevant and language-accessible materials.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
It allows them to read comfortably and maintain strong cultural identity while incarcerated.
7. Comics & Graphic Novels
Visual storytelling offers a powerful escape from the mental strain of incarceration.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
Graphics provide a visual break and entertainment, especially for younger or first-time readers.
8. Classic Literature
Many inmates request timeless titles to dive deeper into world literature or complete reading challenges.
Popular Picks Include:
Why Inmates Love It:
They enjoy exploring big ideas and rich storytelling while boosting their literacy.
9. Workout & Fitness Books
Staying physically active is a big part of prison culture.
Popular Picks Include:
- Bodyweight Training for Beginners
- Prison Workout Manual
Why Inmates Love It:
Fitness helps inmates build discipline, reduce stress, and maintain mental focus.
What Makes These Books So Popular?
- Facility-Approved Formats – Paperback and non-spiral bound
-
Engaging Topics – Real-life themes, practical skills, or immersive stories
- Portable and Sharable – Books get passed around and discussed among cellmates
- Transformative Impact – Many of these titles offer the potential for mindset change and education
How to Order from Corrections Book Store
Ordering for your loved one has never been easier. At Corrections Book Store, we specialize in inmate-approved books and fully understand facility restrictions.
Here’s how to order:
- Visit https://www.correctionsbookstore.com
- Browse by category (Self-Help, Urban, Spanish, Religious, etc.)
- Add paperback books to your cart
- Enter the inmate’s full name, ID#, and facility address at checkout
- Choose USPS Media Mail or Priority (both facility-approved)
We ship to all U.S. correctional facilities, with care to meet individual DOC rules.
Final Thoughts
Books can change lives, especially behind bars. They offer escape, enlightenment, and emotional relief. When you send a book, you’re sending more than paper and ink, you're sending hope.
Trust Corrections Book Store to deliver books that truly matter, titles that inmates love, and a shopping experience built around the correctional system.
Contact Corrections Book Store
Need help finding the right book?
- Phone: 201.559.0592
- Email: info@correctionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://www.correctionsbookstore.com
We’re here to make the process of sending books to prison simple, affordable, and stress-free.