In correctional facilities across the U.S., literature serves a vital purpose: education, transformation, mental escape, and hope. At SureShot Books Publishing, with over 30 years dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals, we've witnessed the power of reading firsthand. A thoughtfully stocked prison library can uplift, educate, and empower, providing resources that heal, teach, and inspire.
Why Books Matter Behind Bars
Books offer more than just entertainment, they offer a lifeline. For inmates, reading is one of the few tools of freedom, a gateway to transformation, self-reflection, and healing.
Here’s why books matter so deeply in prison:
- Mental Escape: Books allow inmates to travel beyond their environment and experience new perspectives.
- Self-Education: Reading supports GED preparation, vocational skills, and critical thinking.
- Emotional Healing: Literature often helps process trauma, regret, and personal pain.
- Self-Expression: Reading inspires journaling, writing letters, or creative storytelling.
- Rehabilitation: Many titles encourage goal-setting, personal growth, and a belief in second chances.
- Connection: Shared books can build community and spark discussion among inmates.
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This timeless classic has become a staple in prison libraries and self-help programs. Its structured, step-by-step approach offers inmates a practical guide to develop better habits, shift their mindset, and take accountability for their actions.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Encourages proactive thinking and personal responsibility
- Builds self-discipline and leadership skills
- Helps inmates envision a productive future after release
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Based on Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps, this powerful memoir explores how purpose and meaning can be found in the darkest places. It resonates deeply with those behind bars, showing that even in suffering, there is an opportunity for growth.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Offers emotional strength and spiritual clarity
- Encourages inmates to find personal meaning in their journey
- Provides a philosophical foundation for resilience
3. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
What It Delivers
A brutally honest memoir where Goggins shares how he transformed from privilege to trauma, and eventual Navy SEAL endurance. It's raw motivation at its finest.
Why It’s Special for Inmates
- Inspires mental toughness and resilience
- Validates the journey from adversity to strength
- Sparks “no-excuses” resilience
4. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
A groundbreaking critique of the U.S. justice system, this book reveals how mass incarceration functions as a racial caste system. It empowers inmates with knowledge about the structures that shaped their experiences.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Educates on systemic oppression and legal injustices
- Ignites critical thinking and self-advocacy
- Inspires involvement in social justice and reform movements
5. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Small changes can lead to big transformations, especially in prison. Atomic Habits equips readers with tools to break bad habits and build better ones, a skill essential for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Encourages consistent self-improvement
- Easy to apply within the structure of daily prison life
- Helps inmates stay focused on long-term personal goals
6. Educated by Tara Westover
This memoir of overcoming extreme adversity through education mirrors the journey of many incarcerated individuals striving for a better life. Tara’s story reminds readers that it's never too late to learn or to change your path.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Inspires hope through the power of education
- Shows how learning can redefine identity
- Encourages inmates to pursue GEDs and vocational programs
7. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Though it's often viewed as a business book, Hill's principles apply to anyone striving for success. Inmates use this as a blueprint for goal-setting, vision, and changing their mindset for success post-incarceration.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Teaches the law of attraction and positive thinking
- Offers practical steps for financial and personal goals
- Builds confidence and entrepreneurial spirit
8. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
This slim but profound book encourages deep introspection and creative expression, both of which are critical in the isolating prison environment. Rilke’s gentle wisdom can help inmates reflect and grow emotionally.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Offers solace and artistic inspiration
- Encourages journaling and personal expression
- Helps develop emotional intelligence and mindfulness
9. The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
Good communication is essential, whether for writing letters home or legal documentation. This concise guide helps inmates master grammar and style, improving their ability to express themselves clearly and professionally.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Enhances writing for personal, legal, or creative purposes
- Builds confidence in communication skills
- Serves as a foundation for further education
10. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck’s research-based insights explain how adopting a "growth mindset" leads to greater achievement and personal satisfaction. Inmates who believe they can change are more likely to engage in positive behaviors and programs.
Why It's Special for Inmates
- Fosters belief in personal transformation
- Empowers readers to take control of their futures
- Perfect for rehabilitation-focused education programs
Why Choose SureShot Books?
At SureShot Books Publishing LLC, we understand what inmates are looking for because we’ve been serving them for over three decades. Our selections aren’t random, they’re chosen based on direct feedback from inmates, correctional educators, and rehabilitation programs nationwide.
What Makes SureShot Perfect for Prison Libraries:
- Curated titles that focus on growth, healing, and transformation
- Softcover, facility-approved editions available
- We work directly with families and facilities for fast delivery
- Trusted by correctional institutions across the U.S.
Conclusion
Books are one of the most powerful tools for change, especially behind bars. Whether it’s building better habits, understanding the justice system, healing past trauma, or preparing for a new life after release, the right book can make a world of difference.
At SureShot Books, we believe in second chances and the power of education. These bestsellers are more than just good reads, they are lifelines, guiding lights, and sources of inspiration for those ready to transform.
Contact Us
Ready to order for your loved one or a correctional library? Have questions about what books are allowed in specific facilities?
We’re here to help.
- Visit us at: www.sureshotbooks.com
- Call us: 845.675.7505
- Email: jessica@sureshotbooks.com
Let SureShot Books be your partner in transformation, one book at a time.