Incarceration can be isolating, but reading offers connection, clarity, and transformation. For many incarcerated individuals in New Jersey correctional facilities, books are more than entertainment, they are tools for survival, healing, and personal evolution.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we’ve spent decades helping families and advocates send books that inspire change. These titles are inmate favorites, each one offering hope, direction, and meaningful engagement. With reading programs expanding across the state, including Freedom Libraries in places like Northern State Prison and Edna Mahan, access to impactful literature is growing, and these top 10 picks are making a lasting difference.
Why Books Matter Behind Bars
Books are among the most powerful and accessible resources available to incarcerated people. Here's why they’re so valuable:
-
Mental Escape: A well-written book offers a healthy escape from the stress and monotony of prison life.
-
Emotional Growth: Reading can help process trauma, encourage self-reflection, and develop empathy.
-
Self-Education: Inmates use books to prepare for GEDs, learn trades, and develop life skills.
-
Rehabilitation: Books foster accountability, mindset shifts, and a vision for life after release.
-
Connection: A book can bridge emotional gaps between inmates and their loved ones, often sparking new conversations and deeper understanding.
1. Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
What It Delivers
This short novella, made famous by its film adaptation, tells a powerful story of wrongful imprisonment, friendship, and unrelenting hope. It’s a celebration of perseverance against all odds.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Promotes hope and endurance
-
Offers a powerful emotional escape
-
Reminds readers that inner freedom can't be confined
2. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
What It Delivers
An epic of betrayal and revenge, this classic novel follows a wrongly imprisoned man who turns his suffering into triumph through wisdom, patience, and resilience.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Symbolizes transformation and redemption
-
Encourages strategic thinking and growth
-
Reinforces belief in justice and perseverance
3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
What It Delivers
Set during the Great Depression, this novella explores loneliness, dreams, and the deep bond between two drifters. It's emotionally rich yet accessible.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Sparks reflection on loyalty, loss, and hope
-
Short, simple, and deeply moving
-
Connects with readers through raw emotion
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
What It Delivers
This allegorical novel follows a shepherd on a journey to discover his "Personal Legend"—offering powerful lessons about purpose, destiny, and the value of the journey itself.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Encourages deep self-reflection
-
Inspires goal-setting and inner growth
-
A spiritual and motivational favorite
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
What It Delivers
A practical guide to personal transformation, this book teaches habits that foster discipline, clarity, and effectiveness, especially in challenging environments.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Builds structure and responsibility
-
Offers practical steps to long-term change
-
Great for rehabilitation programs
6. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
What It Delivers
Part memoir, part philosophy, this classic explains how finding purpose can carry us through even the most unimaginable suffering. It’s a powerful message of resilience.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Teaches how to find meaning in hardship
-
Offers spiritual and emotional healing
-
Empowers through personal perspective
7. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
What It Delivers
A modern classic on money mindset and financial freedom. It breaks down the difference between earning a living and building wealth through smart thinking and entrepreneurship.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Encourages financial literacy and independence
-
Inspires future-focused thinking
-
Builds hope for success after release
8. From Prison to Prosperity by Mike Pisciotta
What It Delivers
A true story of a man who transformed from inmate to millionaire, sharing lessons learned along the way about mindset, entrepreneurship, and perseverance.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Real-world example of transformation
-
Motivates personal and professional growth
-
Inspires belief in second chances
9. The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
What It Delivers
A profound and personal journey of transformation, from street hustler to civil rights leader. Malcolm X's story emphasizes the power of reading, education, and spiritual awakening.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Reflects lived experiences and redemption
-
Encourages self-education and identity building
-
Challenges readers to think critically and grow
10. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
What It Delivers
A bold and strategic guide to understanding influence and human behavior, based on historical examples. Often used to navigate prison dynamics thoughtfully.
Why Inmates Love It
-
Engages critical thinking and strategy
-
Offers insight into social power structures
-
Mentally stimulating and widely circulated
Why Choose NJ Corrections Bookstore?
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we specialize in facility-approved, inmate-friendly literature that supports rehabilitation, education, and inspiration.
What Sets Us Apart:
-
Facility-compliant paperback titles
-
Personalized service and support
-
Fast USPS shipping directly to NJ correctional facilities
-
Over 30 years of experience serving incarcerated readers
-
Easy checkout with inmate details included
We’re more than a bookstore, we’re a bridge between loved ones and the change they seek.
How to Order Books for NJ Inmates
Sending books through NJ Corrections Bookstore is simple, safe, and DOC-compliant:
-
Browse Our Store: Visit www.njcorrectionsbookstore.com
-
Choose Your Books: Select from our inmate-recommended collection
-
Enter Inmate Info at Checkout: Include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and facility address
-
We Ship It: Books are sent directly to the facility via USPS with tracking
-
Confirmation: You’ll get updates every step of the way
Books must be new, softcover, and shipped directly from the bookstore, which is exactly what we do.
Conclusion
Books can open minds, change lives, and pave the way for brighter future, even inside New Jersey’s correctional facilities. These top 10 inmate-approved titles are more than just popular reads, they are lifelines for growth, healing, and hope.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we make sure every book you send makes a difference. If you're ready to support someone’s journey of transformation, we’re here to help, one page at a time.
Contact Us
Have questions or need help placing an order?
📬 Website: www.njcorrectionsbookstore.com
📞 Phone: 201.559.0592
📧 Email: info@njcorrectionsbookstore.com
Let NJ Corrections Bookstore help you deliver inspiration, directly to those who need it most.