Sending books to incarcerated loved ones is more than a gift, it’s a bridge to hope, education, and transformation. For inmates in New Jersey prisons, approved reading material can help fill idle hours with purpose, build new skills, and offer encouragement.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we strive to offer a carefully curated selection of books that are both permitted within correctional facilities and deeply meaningful. Below are our top 10 must-read picks for inmates in New Jerseyb, ooks that inspire, instruct, and support growth behind bars.
Why These Books Matter for NJ Inmates
-
Provide education, self-improvement, and mental stimulation
-
Encourage resilience, hope, and personal transformation
-
Help develop new skills for reentry (job readiness, mindset, literacy)
-
Offer approved, safe content that prisoners can receive
-
Maintain a connection with the outside world through reading
Top 10 Book Picks for Inmates in New Jersey
Each of these books has been selected with care for their ability to uplift, educate, or empower an incarcerated reader.
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This classic self-help guide outlines seven habits that can transform one’s character, relationships, and effectiveness. In prison, where daily structure is forced, Covey’s principles help inmates adopt proactive mindsets, prioritize, and build integrity.
Why It Resonates with Inmates:
It gives a roadmap for internal change, shifting from reacting to life’s circumstances toward shaping one’s own path even inside.
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Written by Holocaust survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl, this book presents life’s struggles and suffering through the lens of meaning. Frankl argues even in the darkest times, humans can find purpose through how they respond.
Why Inmates Value It:
It offers deep comfort and insight: even in confinement, there’s a way to find purpose, dignity, and strength.
3. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Short but powerful, this classic emphasizes the idea that thoughts determine one’s reality. It encourages self-discipline in thinking, which in turn shapes character and life.
Why It’s Useful:
Its brevity makes it easy to read and revisit; inmates can internalize positive thinking one page at a time.
4. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Drawing from ancient Toltec wisdom, Ruiz presents four “agreements” to live by: be impeccable with your word; don’t take things personally; don’t make assumptions; always do your best.
Why NJ Inmates Connect:
These simple but profound rules help in relational conflict, emotional resilience, and moral clarity.
5. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This modern, bold self-help book encourages readers to change their mindset, overcome fear, and claim their power. Its humorous, conversational tone makes it accessible and motivating.
Why It’s Popular:
It feels like a friend cheering you on, useful for inmates who need a confidence boost and reminder of their potential.
6. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Focusing on small incremental changes, Atomic Habits shows how minor daily habits compound into significant improvement. Clear provides actionable strategies to break bad patterns and build good ones.
Why Inmates Love It:
It’s highly practical: one small change at a time can transform life behind bars and after release.
7. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This spiritual work helps readers explore deeper meaning, identity, and purpose. Structured in daily lessons, it offers guidance on relationship, calling, and faith.
Why It Resonates:
Many inmates look for purpose beyond the cell walls. This book addresses spiritual and moral direction in a structured, readable way.
8. Good to Great by Jim Collins
In this business classic, Collins studies companies that made the leap from good to outstanding and stayed there. He identifies key principles like leadership, discipline, and core focus.
Why Inmates Benefit:
Though business-focused, the principles translate to personal transformation: discipline, consistency, vision, and leadership apply to life behind and beyond bars.
9. Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System by Paul Bergman & Sara Berman
This guide demystifies aspects of criminal law, covering arrest, plea bargains, sentencing, appeals, and rights during incarceration. It offers layman-friendly explanations of legal processes.
Why It’s Empowering:
Understanding one’s legal rights is a powerful tool. This book helps inmates navigate the justice system more smartly and confidently.
10. Introduction to Business
A comprehensive, beginner-level text covering management, marketing, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship. It’s written in straightforward language and often used for foundational college courses.
Why It’s Inspiring:
For inmates considering business or trade paths after release, this book gives a solid base to build from, knowledge that can lead to self-employment, entrepreneurship, or informed decision-making.
How to Order Books for NJ Inmates
To get these books into the hands of your incarcerated loved one in New Jersey, here’s a clear process:
-
Visit NJ Corrections Bookstore website.
-
Browse categories like Best Books for Inmates, Education, Self-Help, and Law.
-
Add the book(s) you choose to the cart.
-
Provide the inmate’s full name, inmate number, and facility address.
-
Complete checkout—we’ll ensure prison-approved compliance.
Note: Be sure to order paperback editions whenever possible, as many prisons restrict hardcover formats.
Why Choose NJ Corrections Bookstore
-
Approved vendor for New Jersey DOC — books are less likely to be rejected.
-
Large, curated inventory covering education, self-help, law, and more.
-
Fast shipping directly to New Jersey correctional facilities.
-
Simple ordering system built for families and friends.
-
Affordable pricing with transparency and no surprise fees.
-
Dedicated to supporting rehabilitation, learning, and restoration.
Contact & Support
- Phone: 201.559.0592
- Email: info@njcorrectionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://www.njcorrectionsbookstore.com
We’re here to help you choose, order, and deliver books that will uplift, educate, and empower your loved one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right books for inmates in New Jersey is a meaningful, transformative act. The ten books above span self-help, education, mindset, business, and legal knowledge, areas that matter most for personal growth and reentry readiness.
Whether your loved one seeks purpose (The Purpose Driven Life), strategy (Atomic Habits), or legal empowerment (Criminal Law Handbook), these picks can guide them toward a brighter future.
Send hope, knowledge, and transformation through reading. Start today with NJ Corrections Bookstore.