Life after prison can be daunting, making it difficult for individuals to figure out how to start over. According to the National Institute of Justice, almost 44% of those released return before their first year out. After three years, that number rises to 68 percent; by six years, 79% have been arrested again. Even after nine years, the number increases to 83 percent.
These statistics demonstrate the difficulty of rebuilding a life outside of prison for ex-felons. If you or a loved one has recently been released from jail, it can be helpful to read books that provide motivation and advice for this new journey. This article will cover the best books for ex-felons looking for guidance in their new lives after release.
Best Books for Ex-Felons
1. Beyond Bars: Rejoining Society After Prison
Are you looking for guidance on how to reintegrate into society after spending time in prison? Beyond Bars is the perfect resource. It was written by two experts who understand ex-felons challenges when they return to their communities.
The book offers step-by-step advice on preparing for release while still in prison, handling relationships with family members, and tips on finding a job and managing money. With practical advice and free resources, this book will help you confidently transition from incarceration back into the world. Beyond Bars provides everything you need to know about rejoining society after prison, from budgeting and taxes to debt. So don’t let your past define your future.
2. The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose
The Master Plan is an inspiring, real-life story of resilience and determination. Written by Chris Wilson, an ex-prisoner turned social entrepreneur; this book will show readers how to rise above the most difficult circumstances and live with purpose.
Chris was sentenced to life imprisonment, but he wasn’t deterred. He embarked on his own journey of self-improvement, reading books, and developing new skills like learning languages and starting a business in prison. Eventually, he convinced a judge to reduce his sentence, allowing him to become a free man in his mid-thirties.
The Master Plan is Chris’s first-hand account of his story. It offers valuable insight into the realities of prison life and shares lessons learned throughout his journey. It also provides practical advice for anyone who has been incarcerated or has an incarcerated loved one, guiding them on their paths toward success and fulfillment.
This book is more than just one man’s story. It’s a testament to willpower and courage that can inspire anyone who reads it. The Master Plan is the perfect gift for inmates looking for their next steps in life and allows readers to turn their dreams into reality.
3. The Dedicated Ex-Prisoner’s Guide to Life and Success on the Outside
The Dedicated Ex-Prisoner’s Guide to Life and Success on the Outside is an essential guide for anyone recently released from prison. Written by Richard Bovan, an experienced ex-prisoner and successful entrepreneur, this 10-rule guidebook provides invaluable advice on how to thrive on the outside and avoid being sent back to jail.
Filled with inspiring stories of redemption, the book shows readers how to overcome the odds and make a new life for themselves. It encourages former inmates to take control of their lives, providing them with the tools they need to create greater opportunities for themselves. This book is a must-read for any ex-felon trying to transition back into society and make a positive impact in their community.
4. From Prison to Purpose
From Prison to Purpose is an inspiring story of resilience and hope. Written by Jimmy McGill, a nineteen-time convicted felon and former Director of Peer Services for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, this book chronicles his remarkable journey from prison to becoming a dedicated husband and father.
Through his trials and tribulations, McGill demonstrates how sustained recovery can bring profound change in one’s life. Whether you are personally affected by addiction or not, this book offers insight into the struggles faced by ex-cons as they strive to rebuild their lives. From Prison to Purpose is an excellent read for anyone looking to gain understanding and empathy toward those who have been incarcerated. It provides a beacon of hope for those on the journey toward healing and redemption.
5. Blank Canvas: How I Reinvented My Life after Prison
In Blank Canvas, Craig Stanland shares his remarkable journey of reinventing his life after prison. Combining a powerful message of hope and redemption, he demonstrates that it is possible to rebuild one’s life with courage and determination. This inspiring memoir will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride as Stanland recounts his struggles to regain his self-worth and create the extraordinary life he always wanted.
From the depths of despair to finding meaning and joy in life again, this book will motivate its readers to take charge of their lives and never give up on their dreams. Perfect for anyone who has suffered a life-changing event such as incarceration, Blank Canvas is an indispensable read that will help ex-felons break free from the chains of their past and create a better future.
6. Getting Out & Staying Out: A Black Man’s Guide to Success After Prison
Getting Out & Staying Out is an inspiring, insightful, and essential book by Demico Boothe, an African-American ex-prisoner who has experienced the system first-hand. In this book, Boothe offers honest advice and strategies for incarcerated and newly freed African-American men looking to make it in the outside world.
Boothe draws from his personal experiences of spending 13 years in prison to help readers learn how to productively do their time while inside, as well as offer tips on what to expect upon release. He encourages readers to focus on entrepreneurship and self-employment instead of traditional jobs and highlights the importance of maintaining stable relationships for successful re-entry into society.
This guide also serves as a wake-up call for those involved in Black-on-Black crime, urging them to recognize that they alone are responsible for their actions. With Getting Out & Staying Out, anyone looking to make a new start after prison can take advantage of Boothe’s real-world insight and advice backed with facts from years inside the system.
7. The End of Recidivism: The Ultimate Guide to Transforming the Mind of the Incarcerated
The End of Recidivism is an inspirational guide to transform ex-felons minds and help them break free from the cycle of crime and incarceration. Gregory S. LaBeet, a former prisoner himself, shares his personal story combined with professional insight to help those who have been incarcerated understand how to create a positive change in their lives and become productive citizens.
This book provides readers powerful tools to make better decisions and break away from negative, self-defeating beliefs. It outlines habits that will help readers sustain themselves upon release and provide knowledge on how to fund bigger dreams. This book allows ex-felons to gain the knowledge needed for true transformation and avoid returning to jail once they are paroled.
With this valuable advice, ex-felons can discover how to turn their lives around by replacing bad habits with good ones, developing a more positive mindset, and gaining the confidence they need to become successful members of society. Gregory’s wisdom helps readers recognize their potential and take back control of their lives by understanding what it takes to stay out of trouble and succeed.
8. Jails to Jobs: Seven Steps to Becoming Employed
Jails to Jobs is an essential guide that helps felons get jobs. Written by Mark Drevno, co-founder of Jails to Jobs, Inc., this book offers an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities of finding a job with a criminal record. Drawing from his experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals, Drevno provides practical advice and tips for finding suitable employment and creating successful resumes.
He also dives deep into personal reflection, offering exercises designed to help readers better understand their experiences and how they can use them to find lasting success in the workplace. With this book as your guide, you will have all the tools necessary to create a fulfilling career path.
9. We’re All Doing Time: A Guide to Getting Free
We’re All Doing Time is a powerful book by author Bo Lozoff that has helped many ex-felons achieve remarkable successes and turn their lives around. It offers practical exercises to help free your mind, bringing more harmony and peace into your life.
The book also includes letters between the author and prisoners, sharing their stories and asking for guidance. This experiential read will inspire and move you, giving you invaluable insight into breaking free from the prison of the mind. You’ll find support, guidance, and understanding as you step towards finding true freedom in life.
10. Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul
This book, Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul, is a collection of inspiring true life stories touching the souls of incarcerated people. It is written by award-winning speaker and internationally recognized leader in personal development and peak performance strategies Jack Canfield.
These stories come from individuals with first-hand knowledge of prison life and those who work closely with inmates in correction facilities. They share their experiences of pain, learning, recovery, and hope so that others can be inspired to overcome their challenges and live with dignity. It offers guidance on how to overcome the unique challenges faced by ex-felons reentering society.
Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul is a must-read for anyone affected by crime or incarceration, whether they have been a victim, an offender, or anyone who wants to show compassion towards their fellow man. It will leave an indelible imprint on your heart and inspire you to live with hope, gratitude, and joy regardless of circumstance.
Conclusion
No matter what your past is, your future can be bright. Ex-felons can take control of their lives and become productive members of society with the right books and guidance. These books provide a roadmap for them to gain insight into how to cope with post-prison life, rebuild relationships, and get back into the workforce. It’s not an easy journey, but reading these books can motivate ex-felons to make something out of their lives. Don’t let your past define you; use the advice in these books to create a brighter future for yourself!
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