Welcome to Books 4 Inmates!
Discover what has been accomplished
and what is in the works.
Reverend Theresa Crabtree
Chapel #1115

The books below are offered freely to
Prison Chaplain Libraries,
Prison Reading Libraries and to inmates with over a year to serve.
Books 4 Inmates
pays for all printing, shipping,
handling and postage.
Sales from all books on this website are used to fund Books 4 Inmates.
Your support of Books 4 Inmates will place spiritual books into the hands of incarcerated people who are seeking higher consciousness.
Will you help?
BOOKS 4 INMATES began over a decade ago, with the donation of my first book, Mayan Messages: Daily Guide to Empowerment to over 1,100 U.S. Federal and State prisons.
On the first page of the book, there is an invitation for inmates to write for a free, personal copy. To date, over two thousand incarcerated people have received a free copy. Many are gathering in study groups to share the contents with their peers.
In 2019, I invited ten inmates to share their wisdom in a compilation of spiritual lessons to be donated to prisons and inmates. Thus, Enlightenment Behind Bars began its birthing process.
In addition, Universal Truth: Tools for Transformation is also offered freely to prison libraries and individual inmates.
Much admiration is extended to those who have turned their lives around while living in one of the most difficult situations one can imagine… prison. Their determination to journey toward spiritual awareness is a great source of inspiration to all Seekers of Truth.
Inmates share the importance of receiving
FREE self-improvement books!
Jose H in Texas Prison
Enlightenment Behind Bars and Universal Truth have a lot of things in them which really help me as I’m bettering myself. I encourage people to do better, not to give up and to break addictions or bad habits. I sometimes use things I got off your books when doing that. I do it because I seen change in myself… so why not pass on the knowledge whether it be family, friend or stranger. Knowledge is power when you put it into action.
I’d like to thank you on behalf of the ones who also received these books and don’t have any way to say thank you. Your gift is really appreciated. You are a good person to be doing something for people who have made mistakes in their life, bringing something positive which can help somebody better themselves or realize who they truly are.
It brings a smile to us and our loved ones when we do better. I hope to bring a smile to you and a reminder that you are doing something really powerful with your kindness.
(Note from Theresa: I hope this also brings a smile and sense of appreciation to all who have helped through donations to get these books into the hands of incarcerated individuals!)
Darris Drake
I began my journey for redemption when Theresa’s book, Mayan Messages, showed up mysteriously in the mail. I couldn’t figure out who ordered it, but it fit perfectly into my growing mindset. I began to read it every day, and I grew more and more the further I read into the book. When I was transferred, the book was taken from me by prison staff.
It isn’t easy to get good self-help and self-empowerment books without family support, so I wrote Theresa and explained the mysterious circumstances of how I got her book and how it had helped me evolve. We began to correspond and I worked up the courage to send her my writings, my own philosophy that helped me overcome one of the darkest environments known to mankind, prison.
Reading self-help books and writing my experiences changed my life. Knowing that people in society haven’t given up on those in prison whose traumas left them in need of redemption and rehabilitation, is motivation for all of us to continue our growth and pass on the lessons we learn to younger men and women struggling from the same adversity as us. Thank you for your help, it’s truly needed.
Darris Drake, much more than #871756
Richard Francis
When I first read Mayan Messages: Daily Guide to Self-Empowerment, I was very impressed with the spiritual wisdom and knowledge it contained. I began applying what I’d learned and seeking to better myself in all areas I knew were necessary.
Spiritual and self-help books in prison can tremendously help prisoners improve spiritually, and also help them in other areas of their lives. By applying the wisdom and knowledge they learn, they transform into a better person, and then can help others do the same.
However, obtaining these books is extremely difficult, especially for those who have no outside support.
Your donation will help men and women who are seeking to improve themselves and those around them, in prison and upon their release.
Richard Francis
Jamie V. in Florida Prison
I have recently finished Enlightenment Behind Bars and WOW! It really blew my mind. So amazing.
Sometimes I feel so alone on my search for truth and awareness and it was so amazing to hear so much positivity and enlightenment from other inmates.
I also read Mayan Messages daily and it has opened my eyes to a lot of new ways of thinking and perceiving.
Scott Hayden
Books on self-empowerment are a rare find in prison libraries. The donation of such publications is an important project, to say the least. Donating copies to correctional facilities across the country is not only a noble endeavor; it is also a costly one.
Donations and comments from our outside readers and supporters means so much to us in our united effort to bring spiritual enlightenment to those on the “inside.”
I am blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the Enlightenment Behind Bars project. It’s a labor of love which took nearly three years to complete – and well worth it! Not only was I able to express my own views and insights for the book, I was amazed by such a wide variety of insights contributed by the other writers, as well.
The books that Theresa has written are not exclusively intended for prison populations. These books are of great importance to all who seek spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Spirituality lies at the core of our humanity. So, “turn up” that spiritual flame which glows inside all of us. Please send your much needed and appreciated “love gift” to help support all of Theresa’s projects – past, present and future!
What comes from the heart goes to the heart.” ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Warm wishes!
Scott
Marshal McWilliams
Getting books and information is hard for prisoners. So, finding people who send free books, especially self-help books is a tremendous gift.
It makes me excited to no end to know that people on the outside care enough to support those of us on the inside.
So, how hard is it to get a book while in prison? Most of us have no outside support to buy books for us. We don’t have internet access, so we don’t have a way of discovering free resources or what self-help books are out there. There are also many prison regulations to get a book approved.
Theresa knows what prisons will allow her books in. If you would like to help change a prisoner’s life, she can use your financial support to continue with her prison ministry. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
When prisoners get the support and information they need to learn and grow in their own enlightenment process, they become more productive citizens when released. Many prisoners will spend their lives in prison and they have the opportunity to be a better role model to others in their cell block.
Just knowing that someone cares and we are not forgotten is what often helps us to keep our sanity and to motivate us to do better. Thank you, Marshal
Anastazia Schmid
The importance of outside support (in any regard) is imperative to the survival of incarcerated people; as are resources for self-empowerment/ improvement.
That latter is often not provided to people inside carceral institutions, hence the importance of outside people/ sources providing such to people inside these institutions.
For many incarcerated people, spiritual study and practice is equally important for their survival, self-improvement, community involvement and service to others. Access to spiritual teachings fosters hope, faith, and love to those in darkness.
These gifts are often the literal dividing line between life and death. This has been true for myself, as well as countless other incarcerated women and men I have known. Please help us bring these beacons of Light to those who remain captive inside institutions. You can assist freeing hearts, minds, and spirits.
Infinite Love and Gratitude,
Anastazia
Joe Kinney
When people think of prisons, they often believe they are full of murderers, child molesters, rapists, drug dealers, and gang members, but the truth is that our prisons are full of people, young and old, who come from a wide range of hard backgrounds. These people are in great need of lessons that can teach them how to find their true selves, before they were influenced by people and environments that proved to be cruel, harsh, mean, thoughtless and even criminal.
Not everyone in prison is a cold, or exact reflection of the crimes they committed that sent them to prison. The truth is that many (if not the majority) of prisoners would do better if they knew better.
I have been incarcerated for 36 years for crimes that, sadly, I did commit when I was 19. The greatest help for me in becoming the man I am today has been through the enlightenment, awareness, guidance and truth I have found through the self-empowering and guiding books such as Mayan Messages and Universal Truth. These books helped me to see the real me, without the cloud of false perceptions that filled my vision before. They helped me to set my feet on a corrected course of self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-empowerment, as well as my impact on the lives of those around me and my environment.
I spent many, many years looking for help before I was finally able to find and receive the help I needed in these books. How many people have died in prison or been released without these vital tools? Prison is supposed to be a place where people can find an opportunity for rehabilitation, then be reintegrated back into society as viable and productive members of society.
I have personally seen others who were able to receive these dynamic self-empowering guides and have made successful transitions back into society and are now contributing to their communities and their family’s wellbeing. Without the guidance and insights offered in these self-empowerment books, these goals may not have been achieved in this lifetime, in fact I’ve heard as much from some of these men who have gotten out of prison.
Society needs our prisoners to learn from their mistakes and to reach their full potential. Potential is found in these self-empowering books if the prisoner can obtain these extremely valuable sources of help, guidance, and enlightenment. Keeping this in mind, we can clearly see it is therefore in everyone’s best interest if we can help provide the necessary tools to prisoners so that their lives may not become a wasted resource when our society, as a whole, needs everyone to be involved in this adventure we call life.
With your donation, you have the ability to be part of the solution.
Thank you, Joe Kinney
Enlightenment Behind Bars is a compilation of spiritual lessons written by nine men and one woman while incarcerated in prison.
With an accumulated total of nearly 200 years behind bars, their fortitude and ability to obtain spiritual growth while in the “Belly of the Beast” speaks volumes in and of itself.
Meet each writer as they share their journey of awakening while behind bars. Each of them includes several lessons on spirituality to help expand your conscious awareness.
From their varied backgrounds and research, you will be introduced to nuggets of Truth gained from many religious outlets including, but not limited to, Christianity, Buddhism, Neterianism, Kabbalah, Islam
and Native American Spiritualism.
Included are spiritual practices such as meditations and prayers that have helped them on their awakening path. Browse their recommended reading list to spur you onto more research along your Path as a Seeker.

Mark Robinson

After serving 23 years, Mark was released in 2018.
In less than two years after his release, Mark has received Reiki attunements, completed Barber school and married his high school sweetheart!
TOPICS
Zentangle
We are All Creators
Spiritual vs Material Based Life
Obtaining Peace Through Forgiveness
Tonglen Giving and Receiving Meditation
Unity Consciousness vs Separation Theology
Anastazia

After serving 18 years, Anastazia was released in 2019, after making a positive impact on hundreds of women in and out of prison.
As she witnessed many injustices in the judicial and prison systems, Anastazia has become a voice for the voiceless.
An eloquent writer and speaker, dedicated to exposing the truth, Anastazia has the potential and drive to change laws, improving the lives of many. In 2020, she completed her graduate studies and began her PhD studies in the Fall of 2020.
TOPICS
Truth and Trauma
Return to the Goddess
Meditation for Invoking the Goddess Within
Click here to listen to Anastazia speak
on the topic of “Truth and Trauma.”
Darris Drake, Jr.

At age 24, Darris was facing a 20 year sentence while recuperating from gunshot wounds that had him knocking on Death’s door. After 16 months of determination, he beat all odds and regained use of his legs.
Eight years into his incarceration, he regained his will to better himself. Thus, began his educational and spiritual awakening.
The first class he took was on the subject of “Chemical Dependency.”
The instructor encouraged him to keep a daily journal and to share his writings with others in the group. Before long, they began to open each group session with one of his thought-provoking journal entries.
Darris has found his purpose in life through expressing himself through his writings and helping others.
TOPICS
The Nature of Freedom
Self-Love
Perspective
Release
Mental Atrophy
Attachments
Purpose
Manifesting
Focused Visualization
Joe Kinney

At 19 years of age, Joe was hit with a sobering 36-72 year sentence. He is currently serving his 35th year.
Joe participates and often leads the Native American circle at his prison, which includes the sweat lodge and pipe ceremonies, dedicating his life to the “Red Road.”
After years as a carpenter and making license plates, he was happy to be part of the Canine Behavior Modification program.
TOPICS
Living in the Moment
The Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Red Road
Needles

Sewing was one of the “hustles” that Needles used to buy and barter what he needed and shared with others during his 7 years behind bars.
We share a common passion, getting spiritual reading material into the hands of those who are incarcerated.
While in prison, Needles encouraged dozens of inmates to write to me for a free copy of my book, Mayan Messages.
Released in 2019, Needles immediately hit the used bookstores, using what little money he had, on the hunt for books to gift to spiritual Seekers he had met in prison.
TOPICS
What is Karma?
Sin in Perspective
Is Reincarnation Real?
Manifesting Abundance
Do Angels and Devils Exist?
Be Careful what You Wish For!
Plus 13 more topics!
Carl “Oooh Bay” Robinson

By the age of 42, Carl had spent 16 years behind bars. Much of the latter years of incarceration were spent in spiritual studies of several disciplines.
While in prison, Carl began to create unique jewelry relating to the client’s birth sign and other areas of interest. He also enjoyed participating in the “Paws for Life Prison Program” as a dog trainer.
Upon his release in 2019, Carl has created Sokul Body Wear: Hand-Crafted Designer Jewelry.
Check out his designs here. https://sokulbodywear.com
As a singer – songwriter, “the Sun returned home” pours out memories of life in a soul-stirring raspy voice, adding heart to any track he is on.
In the fall of 2020, he married the love of his life!
TOPICS
Self-Initiated
Visualization of Cleansing Elements
The What, The How and the Why of God
Scott Hayden
Scott is currently serving over 20 years on a 50 year sentence. In 2023, he goes before the Parole Board for his first chance of regaining his freedom.
Like all of these writers, Scott experienced his awakening while in prison. He dedicates most of his free time to spiritual studies and practice, sharing his knowledge with those who are interested.
TOPICS
The River of Mind
The Divine Ground
Spirituality and Religion
Buddhism: A Single Step
Fragmentation and Wholeness
The Inner Transformation Method
Plus 6 more!
Marshal McWilliams

At 12 years of age, Marshal was sent to the local “Holy Man” and began his tutelage. When 16, he was presented to the Tribal Council and received his certificate, verifying him as a recognized “Holy Man.”
Two months, later, his beloved mentor crossed over, which sent Marshal into a downward spiral, setting aside the teachings he had acquired.
Falsely accused at age 31, he has been in prison since 1997. Yet, this became a blessing in disguise, for being forced from his family and freedom, he eventually began to see life with a more expanded lens.
In 2001, he turned his life over to Jesus and began studying the Bible. In 2002, he was accepted into the prison’s Native American Circle, where he soon became recognized as a leader.
TOPICS
Be Still
Warriors
Ritualism
Pemmican
The Feather
The Red Road
Trust and Faith
Peyote Dreams
The Medicine Wheel
What do you need if…?
What do you want or expect from this…?
Richard Francis

Richard began his awakening journey in 2016, four years after his current incarceration began.
During this time, he has become an avid Seeker of Truth and a prolific writer, creating several fictional manuscripts.
He has also created several “jail-house” spiritual booklets that he offers freely to his peers.
TOPICS
Resurrection
Stay Positive
Divine Timing
You Reap What you Sow
Thoughts Become Reality
Foundation: Key Element in Life
Forgiveness: Key to Inner Peace
Positive Actions = Positive Results
The Holy Spirit: A Powerful Blessing
Gratitude: Key Element for Blessings
Damon Scott-Stout

Incarcerated at 19, Damon spent the next 24 years of his life behind bars.
He was released in the Fall of 2019.
Much of his prison time has been spent in spiritual studies.
As an artist and astrologist, he hand-made intricate astrology charts for his clients.
Damon is a Euro-Shaman, of Vanatru lineage and a self-practitioner of the Irminsuli tradition for over 15 years.
TOPICS
The Sacred Wheel
Five Degrees of Initiation
Divine Being and Existence
Introduction to the Kabbalah Tree of Life
Help Donate these books to Prison Libraries and Inmates!
Mayan Messages is a collection of 260 daily inspirational quotes and meditations. They offer solutions to problems in all areas of your life. In addition, the Messages address how we create our reality. Emphasis is placed on monitoring one’s thoughts, words and actions.
Mayan Messages offers many tools to assist with your spiritual growth!
Read more…
Enlightenment Behind Bars is a compilation of spiritual lessons written by ten incarcerated people while in prison.
Meet each writer as they share their journey of awakening while in the “Belly of the Beast.”
Included are their favorite spiritual practices such as meditation, prayers and their recommended reading list for Seekers of Truth. Read more…
Universal Truth is a collection of over 200 daily inspirational messages. These are not just “feel good” quotes, but practical tips and meditations you can easily incorporate into your daily life to:
* Release Emotional Blocks
* Build Better Relationships
* Gain Mental Clarity
* Nurture Body, Mind and Soul
Every day, Books 4 Inmates receives requests
from incarcerated people for free copies of these books.
Your support will put spiritual books in the hands
of those walking their awakening Path while in prison.
SUPPORT “BOOKS 4 INMATES” TODAY!
Inmates Praise Mayan Messages