Audacious Reads: 12 Books of De-stress-mas!


Winter 2025

Audacious Reads

The holidays can be anything but restful, so I've curated 12 books that will help you (and me!) think deeply and breathe easier. Whether you need an escape, inspiration, or just a reminder to slow down, these picks have you covered.

12 Books of De-stress-mas!

From the Celebrity Book Clubs:

The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl (Nonfiction - Reese's Book Club) Reese's 100th pick! This beautiful meditation follows a year in the author's backyard, observing nature's rhythms week by week. Renkl calls slowing down in nature an "inexpensive stress reducer that only requires time and the senses." Perfect for reminding us that wonder exists right outside our door.

Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood (Fiction - Jenna's Pick) Grace is 45, perimenopausal, and today she's had enough. She gets out of her car in traffic and just walks away. A hilarious and heartfelt story about reclaiming yourself when life pushes you to the brink.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (Fiction - Reese's Book Club) Sometimes the person you were meant to be with was there all along. A tender story about reconnection and taking the time to appreciate what matters most.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (Fiction - Jenna's Pick) Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this poetic coming-of-age story reminds us that we can define ourselves beyond what others expect. Short, beautiful, and perfect for multiple readings.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (Fiction - Oprah's Book Club)

Oprah's latest pick brings together beloved characters in the town of Crosby, Maine. About community, connection, and the stories we tell each other—perfect for slowing down and savoring.

Stress-Reduction Essentials:

Vagus Nerve Reset Decoded by Anna Liotta (Nonfiction) Science-based tools to relieve chronic stress, improve focus, and build emotional resilience—even with a busy schedule. Over 50 practical micro-practices you can use anywhere to shift from stress to calm.

Getting to Justice by Faith Ireland (Memoir) From unwed mother to Washington State Supreme Court Justice, Faith Ireland's unconventional memoir told in 160+ short, poignant moments will inspire you to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles.

Fun Escapes:

Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza (Fiction - Thriller) The tradwife murder mystery we've all been waiting for! A fast-paced, satirical thriller about estranged friends, influencer culture, and a very dead husband. Deliciously fun and thought-provoking.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker (Fiction - Fantasy Romance) Dragons, magic, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance in a stunning immersive world. Perfect escapist reading when you need to get completely lost in another world.

For the Business-Minded:

The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson (Nonfiction)

A paradigm-shifting framework that helps companies (and people) scale bigger and faster than they think possible. For anyone ready to stop playing small and start thinking audaciously about growth.

And Yes, My Books Too:

An Audacious Partnership by Corinne Cavanaugh (Fiction) Starting a business is hard; doing it in partnership is harder. Follow the winners of the Beaufort estate as they navigate building their dream business while their romantic lives heat up. A fun, empowering look at what functional business partnerships between women can look like.

An Audacious Love by Corinne Cavanaugh (Fiction) Eleanor and Oliver are finally retired and ready to shake things up—from Fez Medina to Saint-Tropez. But paradise has problems, and they must rediscover each other while navigating cultural clashes and past infidelities. A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud journey that proves it's never too late to rewrite your love story.

With gratitude,

Corinne

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Corinne Cavanaugh - Founder, CAC Media & Publishing | Growth Advisor

You have capital, a product, and real pressure to show revenue growth before your next raise. Revenue Problems Solved is monthly marketing intelligence written for founders who are done playing small, from a team of Chief Marketing Officers who built revenue engines at Disney, Microsoft, Estée Lauder, and now work fractionally for funded start-ups. Curated by Corinne Cavanaugh, founder of CAC Media & Publishing. Corinne spent her career leading marketing programs at Microsoft and Liberty Mutual, founding two agencies, and serving on three boards before building a team of nine Fortune 500-trained fractional CMOs and CROs who embed with growth-stage companies to build both sides of the revenue equation: acquisition and retention. She holds a Master's Degree from Harvard University and hosts the Lightning Speed podcast. This newsletter publishes once a month. No fluff. Just the intelligence funded founders actually need.

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