The holiday season can be especially hard for those incarcerated. Sending a meaningful book is one of the most thoughtful ways to show love, care, and connection. At Corrections Book Store, we make it easier for families to send facility-approved books that uplift, inspire, and comfort their loved ones behind bars.
Why Books Matter Behind Bars
Books offer far more than entertainment for inmates, they become tools of transformation. Behind prison walls, reading:
- Encourages mental stimulation and peace
- Provides emotional and spiritual healing
- Offers a healthy escape from stress and isolation
- Inspires personal development and rehabilitation
- Builds hope during tough seasons like the holidays
A book can be a lifeline, especially at Christmas when connection to the outside world means everything.
1. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This 40-day spiritual guide helps readers understand their purpose in life and walk with deeper faith. It encourages daily reflection, spiritual growth, and emotional grounding. Many incarcerated individuals turn to it as a framework for rebuilding their lives with meaning.
What Makes It Special:
Structured daily devotionals make it ideal for inmates seeking routine, clarity, and a faith-centered mindset during the holiday season.
2. Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul by Jack Canfield
A powerful collection of true stories from inmates, families, and prison staff that reflect resilience, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit. These stories offer relatable moments and inspire belief in change and second chances.
What Makes It Special:
This title speaks directly to incarcerated individuals, helping them feel seen, understood, and encouraged to move forward in life.
3. Old Christmas by Washington Irving
A literary classic filled with nostalgic charm and imagery of old-fashioned holiday celebrations. It brings warmth, family traditions, and festive spirit to life, reminding readers of the comfort and joy Christmas can bring.
What Makes It Special:
Its calm, comforting tone makes it a perfect holiday escape for those feeling homesick or emotionally drained during the season.
4. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
This novel takes readers on a festive journey across America by train, full of colorful characters and unexpected twists. It’s a heartwarming tale about second chances, romance, and the rediscovery of joy during Christmas.
What Makes It Special:
A great blend of drama and holiday cheer, this story entertains while gently reminding readers of the deeper meanings of connection and forgiveness.
5. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
This bestselling devotional features daily readings that offer peace, hope, and comfort. Written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, it’s a powerful spiritual companion for anyone seeking solace during tough times.
What Makes It Special:
Its gentle, faith-based messages make it a grounding daily guide for inmates dealing with isolation and hardship.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz
A timeless, illustrated story of Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas. This light-hearted but profound book delivers a lesson in humility, love, and the value of simple joys.
What Makes It Special:
Perfect for quick reading, this book delivers emotional warmth and holiday nostalgia in a simple, uplifting format.
7. The Bible (King James Version)
The Holy Bible remains one of the most requested and cherished books behind bars. Its verses offer strength, hope, and forgiveness, anchoring inmates through both holiday reflection and daily struggles.
What Makes It Special:
A spiritual cornerstone, this sacred text offers consistent guidance and spiritual renewal throughout the holiday season and beyond.
8. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This spiritual classic delivers four life-changing principles for inner peace and emotional freedom. It helps readers break through negativity and build self-awareness and healing habits.
What Makes It Special:
Its simple yet profound teachings are especially valuable for inmates looking to better themselves and cultivate peace from within.
9. Christmas Eve by Edward Everett Hale
This short yet powerful story blends themes of redemption, love, and human kindness. It’s a perfect moral reflection on the true spirit of Christmas and the possibility of transformation.
What Makes It Special:
Great for reflective reading, this story reminds readers that no one is beyond redemption, a message that resonates powerfully behind bars.
10. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
An all-time favorite for self-help, this book teaches readers how to cultivate optimism, build confidence, and embrace positive life habits, no matter the circumstances.
What Makes It Special:
Its timeless advice on mental strength is especially relevant for inmates working through challenges and seeking a more hopeful mindset.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Book for an Inmate
- Check facility rules for binding and content (paperback only, etc.)
- Match their interests — religious, self-help, fiction, or inspirational
- Include a short note or dedication (if allowed) for a personal touch
- Use approved vendors like Corrections Book Store for safe delivery
How to Send Books to Inmates from Corrections Book Store
Ordering is simple and secure at CorrectionsBookStore.com:
- Browse the site and select your books
- Add the inmate's full name, ID number, and facility address at checkout
- Choose Media Mail or Priority Mail
- Place your order — we’ll handle compliance and delivery
All books are guaranteed facility-approved and delivered via USPS.
Why Choose Corrections Book Store?
- Trusted by families and facilities nationwide
- Correctional-approved titles in all major categories
- Experience serving the prison community for over a decade
- Real-time tracking and dedicated support team
We understand how important it is to send books that truly matter, especially during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
A book is more than just a gift, it’s a message of love, hope, and support. This Christmas, send your loved one something meaningful to read, reflect on, and grow from. Every title listed above has the power to comfort, inspire, and transform lives behind bars.
Start your holiday book order today at CorrectionsBookStore.com and bring a little light to someone’s Christmas behind bars.