For the long Holy Week break, Inquirer Books has released several e-books for readers preparing their book lists for the quiet afternoons ahead.

First on the list is the newly released “Inquirer Book of Prayers.”

Taken from the prayers regularly featured on the front page of Inquirer Libre, the Inquirer Group’s free commuter newspaper, the prayers are short, heartfelt missives on work, family, love and relationships that were selected and arranged by Inquirer Libre editor in chief Chito de la Vega. The prayers are perfect for reading in snatches while waiting in line at bus terminals and airport lounges.

For readers who prefer romance to prayer, Inquirer Books has “Si Lorna, Si Tessa at Si Mando” a Tagalog romance by noted screenwriter Gilda Olvidado that was earlier serialized in Bandera Inquirer, the Inquirer Group’s mass-based newspaper. The short chapters and fast pacing ensure time will pass quickly during stopovers.

For readers preferring more serious fare, the Inquirer also has two column collection e-books.

“With Due Respect” by retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban discusses how the Supreme Court arrives at its decisions and how mediation can help unclog court dockets.

The book, which debuted at no. 3 on the Amazon best-seller list in its category when it was first released, also outlines the considerations that must be kept in mind when automating Philippine elections; and for, would-be lawyers, how to prepare for the bar exams.

As oil and power rate hikes continue, Inquirer columnist and former NEDA chief Cielito Habito explains the nature of the Philippine economy in “No Free Lunch” and what ordinary people can do to cope with economic woes.

In addition to being e-books, “With Due Respect” and “No Free Lunch” are also available as actual physical books in Powerbooks and National Bookstore branches.

Rounding up the list is “Coconut Calvary,” an e-book that marks the first time an Inquirer special report has been released in e-book format. Written by i-Team editor Fernando del Mundo, the report delves into the coconut levy fund and whether its intended beneficiaries, Philippine coconut farmers, benefitted from it.

The e-books are available on the Amazon Kindle store and on local Philippine retailer Flipreads (Si Lorna, Si Tessa at Si Mando is available as a free sample on Flipreads).

Selected Inquirer e-books are also available on Smashwords.com, Lulu.com, the iBookstore and the Barnes & Noble Nook store.

When combined, the wide variety of e-book retailers and formats ensures Inquirer e-books can be read on Kindles, iPads, Nooks, Android tablets, and other mobile devices as well as desktop PCs and notebooks.