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AARP’s Favorite Books of 2023

Our books editor shares her top 10 picks of the year, plus five honorable mentions

Welcome to AARP Members Only Access

  

AARP’s Favorite Films of 2023

‘Past Lives,’ ‘Nyad,’ and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ are three of the flicks that made our list

Learn How to Make a Beautiful Holiday Wreath

Award-winning floral designer from famed Longwood Gardens shows you how

Read the December Issue of AARP Bulletin Online Now

Your health questions answered, how to navigate contracts and the risks of medical credit cards

     

 


Photos of the Day

A peacock close-up.

Photo by Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images 

A peacock is seen Nov. 21 on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  


Don’t Miss

AARP’s 10 Favorite Television Shows of 2023

Here are the series that captured the attention of our critic Tim Appelo this year; tell us which ones you love

Pilates Practice: Grounding and Balance

Grab a mat, tennis ball and chair for this standing class, which teaches how to move more efficiently

Share the Joy of the Season With These Holiday Sweets

We've got recipes for midnight kiss cookie bites, cheesecake pie and more delectable desserts

   

Level Up Your Giving Game With These Custom Gifts

We’ve compiled 25 personalized ideas for everyone on your list; plus, tell us about presents you've loved

Look Who's Celebrating Milestone Birthdays

Ben Kingsley, Tyra Banks, Brad Pitt, Kim Basinger and other celebrities are toasting big years in December

Essential Tips on How to Be a Host With the Most

Our Smart Guide to Hosting a Party will help make your event a success — with less stress

     

 


More For Members

     

 


AARP Smart Guides See all AARP Smart Guides

     

 


Film Explores Rise and Fall of the ‘Father of Claymation’

Watch ‘Claydream’s portrait of Will Vinton — creator of the California Raisins — here for free

   

How Comic Book Characters Became Cinema Stars

Fun documentary ‘Rise of the Superheroes’ follows films from ‘Batman’ to ‘X-Men;’ watch it for free online

Learn Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping

Unique practice blends modern psychology and Chinese medicine to help lower anxiety

The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Cookbooks

Virtual talk looks at America's history through the lens of recipes; plus, try buttermilk biscuits and more

Orca Film on the Plight of Captive Creatures

‘Long Gone Wild’ picks up where ‘Blackfish’ left off while telling uniquely different story

   

Cooking Class: Make Savory Sweet Potato Gratin

Chef April Dodd returns to show you how to whip up this tasty addition to your dinner menu

See the ‘Battle of Dunkirk’

Film highlights veterans' stories of bravery in a battle that changed the course of World War II

Watch a Documentary Worth Your Time

‘Keeper of Time’ captures the brilliance and art of watchmaking and contemplates notions of time itself

     

 


Books

Read or Listen to ‘The Raging Storm’ by Ann Cleeves Here

The third novel in best-selling author's Two Rivers series is available free online for AARP members

Try These Recipes Great for Gatherings From New Cookbooks

Wow your dinner guests with Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pumpkin Bundt with Maple Cream and more

Read Free Online: James Patterson’s Thriller ‘The Trial’

From the popular Women’s Murder Club series, this fast read is available in its entirety for AARP members

José Andrés’ New Cookbook Features Famous Friends

Mission-driven chef shares the backstory on recipes from Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama and others

   

Delia Owens Talks About ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’

Her best-selling debut novel was turned into a major motion picture released this summer

Authors of ‘The Whole Body Reset’ Explain Protein Timing

AARP book dispels myths surrounding aging, nutrition and metabolism

Learn Some Secrets to Building a Best-Selling Novel

Brad Meltzer's ‘The Lightning Rod’ follows ‘The Escape Artist’ and brings back Zig and Nola

   

Q&A With Amy Thielen on Her New Cookbook, ‘Company’

Chef dishes on cooking for loved ones; try her recipes for fun house baked potatoes and baby back ribs

Bring the World to Your Table With Global Dishes

Try artichoke carpaccio, matcha ice cream pie and other delicious recipes with international flair

Miranda Lambert Releases Cookbook ‘Y’all Eat Yet?’

Singer serves up her family’s down-home recipes, including hummingbird cake and ‘The Loaf’

Ina Garten's ‘Go-To Dinners’ Is All About Easy Meals

And we share three of her recipes, including orange marmalade-glazed ham and one-pot oven risotto

     

 


Pop Culture Quizzes

Holiday Music: Do You Hear What We Hear?

Test your skills and see how many fa-la-la facts you remember about the season’s staple songs

Take Our Mighty Marvel Movies Quiz

Do you know Captain America from Captain Marvel? Find out if your superhero knowledge is Iron-Man clad

Reminisce With Our Retro Toy Quiz

How much do you remember about Cabbage Patch Kids, Pound Puppies and Teddy Ruxpin?

‘A Christmas Story’ Movie Trivia

Take our quiz on this iconic 1983 film following the bespectacled, apple-cheeked Ralphie Parker

   

Good Grief! Don't Fumble Our ‘Peanuts’ Quiz

Test your knowledge of the iconic comic strip featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole gang

Our Rom-Coms Quiz Will Make You Swoon

There's only one way to ace this test on the genre we love to watch — listen to your heart

How Well Do You Know the Rolling Stones?

It's only rock 'n' roll, but you'll like this trivia quiz about the legendary band

     

 


Learn Something New

Enjoy a Perfectly Prepared Presentation on Pasta

Food historian Francine Segan will bowl you over with delicious stories, recipes and guide to pasta shapes

Get Into Your Groove With a Salsa Dance Class

This fun video featuring one of the top Latin choreographers can help you feel more joy

Be Awed by Autumn In This Tour of Longwood Gardens

Feast your eyes on fiery foliage, 800-pound pumpkins, a festival of chrysanthemums and more

Learn to Use Meditation in Your Daily Life

Class covers the basics and benefits, including enhanced feelings of purpose, joy, creativity and levity

Dill, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Lemongrass, Mint, Oh My!

Get tips for growing outstanding herbs from a Longwood Gardens horticulturalist

   

Hand Lettering for Beginners With Molly Jacques

In this class, you'll learn easy techniques to make an attractive "Home Sweet Home" sign

Interval Training: Build Strength, Energy

The first video in this workout series with David Drew focuses on squats, step-ups, planks and lunges

Art Tutorial: Watercolor Basics for Journaling

Stan Fellows covers materials and techniques, and demonstrates how to paint a mini masterpiece

Need a New Hobby? Find Peace in Trimming Bonsai

Following in Mr. Miyagi’s footsteps, a fan of 'The Karate Kid' centers himself by working with little trees

     

 


Quick Questions — Celebrity Q&As See all Celebrity Interviews

Patricia Cornwell

Prolific author of new thriller ‘Unnatural Death,’ reveals the Oscar-winning actress who will play Dr. Kay Scarpetta on screen

David Baldacci

Lawyer-turned-novelist has new novel out, shares books he's reading, what inspires him and more

Engelbert Humperdinck

Legendary singer discusses new documentary about his life, his late wife's Alzheimer’s, changing his name and admiration for Lady Gaga

Joy Harjo

Former U.S. Poet Laureate and narrator of PBS series ‘Native America’ talks writing, healing and learning, and reminds us that we're all connected

   

John Stamos

Actor discusses new memoir, late-in-life fatherhood, touring with The Beach Boys, loss of friend Bob Saget, and the moment he ‘just let loose and let go’

Marie Osmond

Entertainer talks tackling her bucket list, ‘having a blast,’ her role in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful,’ advice from Betty White and self-care

Ken Follett

Best-selling novelist dishes on state dinner at Versailles and talks billionaires, wine, his ideal party guests and an author who never disappoints

Patti LaBelle

Still selling out shows, R&B legend talks about touring, her successful food brand and cleaning, and says she feels like ‘an O.G. — an original gangster’

     

 


The Importance of Finding the Time to Rhyme

Push yourself to try a new artistic activity. no matter your age — you just might surprise yourself

Keeping Relationship Peace, One Zone at a Time

Sometimes in a marriage, it pays to know your place (and that's why there's an armadillo in the living room)

A Heartfelt ‘Howdy, Y’All!’ From the Australian Outback

How a travel writer learned to embrace her accent and truly speak her mind

Perks of Traveling With a Pup

How Daisy the dog became a widow’s wanderlust companion on the road of life

   

     

 


Health & Fitness

   

     

 


Travel

8 Travel Secrets From a Longtime Flight Attendant

How to make your trips easier and more comfortable, even if all doesn’t go according to plan

My Town: Penn Jillette's Las Vegas Picks

Penn & Teller star reveals his Sin City secrets, from where to see great magic to top dining spots

My Town: Kristin Chenoweth’s Nashville Favorites

From music hot spots (not just country!) to local shops and eateries, the entertainer shares her picks

   

My Town: Ken Jennings' Favorite Spots in Seattle

‘Jeopardy!’ champ and host recommends winning places to eat, play, browse and enjoy the views

My Town: Max Weinberg on Cortona, Italy’s Top Spots

E Street Band drummer picks places to stay, savor a meal or macchiato, catch a concert and explore

My Town: Geezer Butler's Picks for Birmingham, UK

Black Sabbath bassist offers places to grab a pint, catch a concert and enjoy local culture

My Town: What Ernie Hudson Loves About Benton Harbor

‘Ghostbusters’ star recommends favorite places to eat, explore and relax in his Michigan hometown

     

 


More Features

Gladness Gurus Share 25 Tips for Finding Happiness

These promising pointers can help make every day more fun and fulfilling — and some might surprise you

31 Great Ways to Stand Out and Boost Your Career

From résumé help to free training, these essential tips can help you land your dream job

25 Great Ways to Make Life Easier Now and in the Future

From decluttering your devices to using trackers, we present practical tips and invite you to share your own

At 74, Diana Nyad Looks Back on Her Epic Journey

New Netflix movie ‘NYAD,’ starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, chronicles her 111-mile swim

Stacey Mei Yan Fong on New Cookbook ‘50 Pies, 50 States’

So much pie, oh my! And we bring you three recipes to try: a sweet, a savory, and one for a perfect crust

Learn How to Increase the Value of Your Home

From flooring to roofing, upgrades can offer a great return on your investment — now and in the future

Nia Vardalos on Success, Resilience, Grief and More

Actress stars in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3;’ we caught up with her and bring you an exclusive video

   

Ann-Margret, 82, Doesn't Mind Being Called a Sex Symbol

Icon shares stories and wisdom on lasting love and friendship, singing for JFK and being parodied on SNL

‘The Sandlot’ Leaves Us Wanting S’more Summer

We bring you a nostalgic essay on this coming-of-age film and s'mores recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth

Bob Costas Remembers First Major League Game

Sportscaster looks back on special visit to Yankee Stadium with his father in 1959

‘Closing the Savings Gap’ Series With Jean Chatzky

Seven women are matched with financial planners to overcome roadblocks as they prepare to retire

     

 


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