Books offer more than just entertainment for those behind bars; they provide inmates with the opportunity for self-improvement, education, and emotional growth. The power of books in prison cannot be overstated. In this blog, we’ll explore the popular book genres for inmates across the U.S., why books matter in prison, and how inmates can easily order books from Corrections Bookstore. Whether for education, personal growth, or escape, books are a powerful tool for change.
How and Why Books Matter in Prison
Books are more than just a pastime for inmates. They are a vital part of rehabilitation, personal growth, and education. Here’s why books matter so much in correctional facilities:
1. Personal Development and Growth
Books can help inmates reflect on their lives, learn new skills, and improve their mindset. Many inmates use self-help and motivational books to understand their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate a positive outlook.
- Examples: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins (ISBN= 978-1982137274)
- Benefit: Personal transformation and emotional healing
2. Educational Empowerment
Inmates often use books to further their education. Access to books can help inmates earn their GEDs or prepare for vocational programs that improve their employment opportunities after release.
- Examples: The Law Dictionary by Steven H. Gifis, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (ISBN= 9781438005126)
- Benefit: Skills development and future job prospects
3. Emotional and Psychological Support
Books serve as an emotional outlet. Whether through fiction or spiritual readings, books provide comfort, escape, and a way to process complex feelings.
- Examples: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, The Bible (ISBN= 031033750X)
- Benefit: Spiritual reflection and emotional healing
Popular Book Genres for Inmates
Inmates have a variety of interests when it comes to reading. Here are some of the most popular genres across correctional facilities:
1. Self-Help and Personal Development Books
Self-help books are consistently in demand. They offer practical advice on improving mental health, overcoming addiction, and achieving personal goals.
- Motivational Titles: As a Man Thinketh (ISBN= 9789386538178)
- Mental Health: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (ISBN= 9781616499600)
- Addiction Recovery: Clean by David Sheff
2. Educational Books
Inmates seeking to further their education or learn new skills often turn to textbooks, vocational guides, and legal books.
- Legal Education: The Law Dictionary by Steven H. Gifis
- Vocational Training: Books on carpentry, plumbing, electrical work
3. Fiction and Escapist Reads
Fiction provides an escape from the harsh realities of prison life. Popular genres include crime thrillers, urban fiction, and classic literature.
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Thrillers and Crime: The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- Urban Fiction: Books by Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines
- Classics: 1984 by George Orwell
4. Religious and Spiritual Books
Religion is a source of comfort for many incarcerated individuals. Popular texts include The Bible, as well as books on personal spirituality.
- Religious Texts: The Bible, The Quran (for Muslim inmates)
- Spiritual Growth: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (ISBN= 1577314808)
How Inmates Can Order Books from Corrections Bookstore
At Corrections Bookstore, we make it easy for inmates to access the books they need, whether for education, personal growth, or escape. Here's how the process works:
1. Selecting Books
Inmates or their loved ones can browse our vast catalog of books tailored to the needs of incarcerated individuals. We offer a wide range of genres, including self-help, legal, fiction, and religious texts.
- Browse Categories: Check out our categories like "Self-Help", "Legal Education", "Urban Fiction", and "Religious Books".
- Recommendations: Look for our bestsellers and highly rated books to find popular choices.
2. Placing an Order
Orders are typically placed by family members, friends, or third parties who wish to send books to inmates.
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How to Order: Visit Corrections Bookstore, select your books, and enter the inmate’s information during checkout.
- Payment Methods: Payment can be made through various methods, including credit cards or checks.
3. Compliance with Facility Rules
Before placing an order, make sure the books comply with the correctional facility’s rules. Certain books, like those with explicit content, might not be allowed in some institutions.
- Facility-Specific Restrictions: Each correctional facility may have different rules on book acceptance. Check with your facility’s mailroom for any restrictions before placing an order.
4. Shipping and Delivery
After the order is placed, the books are shipped directly to the facility.
- Shipping Method: We use USPS-approved methods to send books, ensuring they reach the facility safely and securely.
- Delivery Time: Delivery times may vary based on the facility’s location and the shipping method used.
5. Confirming Order Delivery
Once the books arrive at the facility, the mailroom will inspect and deliver them to the inmate. Keep track of delivery status using the tracking number provided at checkout.
How Books Support Inmate Rehabilitation
Books offer a transformative power for incarcerated individuals. Here are several ways reading plays a key role in rehabilitation:
1. Reducing Recidivism
Educational programs and reading help reduce recidivism. Inmates who engage in reading are more likely to improve their literacy and critical thinking skills, which makes them better prepared for reintegration into society.
- Impact: Inmates who read regularly are 43% less likely to re-offend.
2. Providing Structure and Purpose
Reading provides structure in the daily lives of inmates. It encourages discipline, routine, and focus—qualities that can help in other areas of rehabilitation.
- Example: A daily reading habit can help improve time management and emotional regulation.
3. Empowerment Through Knowledge
Books allow inmates to expand their knowledge and gain new perspectives. Legal books, in particular, can empower inmates to navigate the judicial system and advocate for their rights.
- Example: A book on the law can help an inmate understand their sentence or file for an appeal.
Conclusion: The Power of Books in Prison
Books are more than just a pastime for inmates, they are a key tool for personal growth, rehabilitation, and education. Whether it's a self-help book, a legal resource, a gripping thriller, or a religious text, books provide invaluable support to those incarcerated. At Corrections Bookstore, we are committed to providing books that cater to the diverse needs of the prison population, helping them build a better future.
If you're looking to order books for an inmate, visit Corrections Bookstore today and explore our wide selection. Our easy-to-navigate website and reliable shipping ensure that books can be delivered to inmates quickly and securely, offering them the resources they need to change their lives.