Books spark imagination. Films ignite emotion. Together, they shape the way we think, feel, and dream. Inside the July edition of the MailCall Newspaper, inmates will find the ultimate roundup of what to read and what to watch next with a full spread dedicated to book recommendations, film reviews, and screen-to-page comparisons crafted for incarcerated readers.
Whether you’re looking for a gripping true story, a classic novel that still hits hard, or a film that makes you forget the walls for two hours, MailCall’s Books & Films section is your go-to source for entertainment that matters.
This month’s theme: stories of survival, growth, and redemption on paper and on screen.
The Prison Book Club Spotlight
MailCall’s Prison Book Club is one of its most talked-about features. Each month, we highlight books that:
- Are available in most facility libraries or by mail
- Resonate with readers behind bars
- Spark thoughtful conversations and group discussions
- Feature strong messages of resilience, justice, or purpose
For July, our spotlight titles include:
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
A simple, life-changing guide on personal freedom and inner peace, this book is a favorite for inmates trying to reset mentally.
“Monster” by Walter Dean Myers
Written in screenplay format, this novel follows a 16-year-old facing trial for felony murder. Its raw storytelling connects deeply with younger readers and those navigating the justice system.
“The Autobiography of Malcolm X”
More than history, this book reflects transformation and personal power in the face of adversity. A timeless classic in every sense.
“The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason
Included as part of MailCall’s financial literacy tie-in, this short, story-driven guide to saving and investing is explained in ways that connect even with first-time readers.
Each featured book includes a short review, discussion prompts, and quotes selected to challenge and inspire.
Book Club Reader Reactions
Inmates from across the country regularly submit reflections on the Book Club picks. These are featured in MailCall under “Reader Responses” and often lead to:
- Book swaps between cells
- Discussion groups led by peer facilitators
- Shared journaling or writing exercises inspired by themes in the books
It’s not just about reading. It’s about thinking deeper and living better even behind bars.
New & Upcoming Films to Watch
MailCall’s Entertainment & Pop Culture section doesn’t just cover celebrity news. It also reviews and previews:
- New movies available through prison media services
- Upcoming releases with buzzworthy performances
- Films based on real-life legal cases, redemption, or second chances
- TV shows making waves on the outside
This month’s featured films include:
“Emancipation” (Drama / True Story)
Will Smith stars in this intense historical drama based on the real-life story of a man who escaped slavery. Powerful, graphic, and deeply emotional.
“Inside Man” (Crime / Thriller)
A suspenseful heist film that doubles as a mental chess game. Denzel Washington and Clive Owen deliver performances that keep viewers locked in.
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Courtroom / History)
Tension, injustice, and activism collide in this gripping courtroom drama based on true events from the 1960s.
“Creed III” (Sports / Drama)
Michael B. Jordan returns to the ring but this time, he’s fighting more than just opponents. Themes of legacy, loyalty, and forgiveness make it more than a boxing movie.
Each review includes a summary, content advisory, and why the film might connect with those inside.
Page vs. Screen: Which Tells It Better?
MailCall also features a popular side-by-side feature comparing books and their film adaptations. In July’s issue:
“Just Mercy” – Bryan Stevenson’s Book vs. Film
Which version tells the story with more emotional weight? We break it down and ask readers to share their take.
“The Hate U Give” – Novel vs. Movie
Both formats were critically acclaimed, but which one hits harder behind the wall?
MailCall gives inmates the opportunity to weigh in, rank the adaptations, and even submit their own reviews.
Why Books and Films Matter in Prison
Incarceration limits freedom but it doesn’t have to limit thought, growth, or imagination. MailCall’s Books & Films section gives readers:
- Mental escape from the day-to-day routine
- Emotional release through relatable storytelling
- Insights on justice, perseverance, and transformation
- A sense of connection to culture and society
Whether it’s a two-hour movie night or a 200-page journey with a character, stories can shape how inmates see themselves and their futures.
Bonus Feature: Writing Prompts and Film Reflections
Each book and movie pairing in MailCall includes creative prompts like:
- “Write your own redemption arc in 500 words”
- “What would you do differently if you were in the character’s shoes?”
- “Which scene or quote stuck with you and why?”
- “How do you define freedom after reading this story?”
These tools help inmates not just consume content but grow through it.
Entertainment with Purpose
MailCall believes in intentional entertainment. The Books & Films section is curated not just to entertain but to:
- Support literacy
- Encourage self-reflection
- Spark positive conversations in dorms and units
- Offer practical takeaways for real life
Even when the story ends, the conversation continues.
What to Look Forward To
Coming in future editions of the Books & Films section:
- A special “Black Voices in Film” spotlight
- True Crime Book Club picks voted on by readers
- Exclusive interviews with formerly incarcerated authors
- “If I Made the Movie” inmate writing challenge
MailCall is committed to turning passive reading into active transformation.
Conclusion
The July edition of the MailCall Newspaper is your front-row ticket to the most powerful stories being told right now on the page and on the screen. With book club highlights, movie reviews, discussion tools, and side-by-side comparisons, this issue delivers more than entertainment. It delivers connection, insight, and escape.
From cell to cinema. From book to breakthrough. Only in MailCall.
