PORTSMOUTH — Have some free time but nothing to read?

Every once in a while, we like to check in with the folks at the Portsmouth Free Public Library to see what they’ve been reading. Who better to share book recommendations, right?

Here are some of the volumes that have taken up space on their nightstands recently — including a graphic novel that’s perfect for Halloween.

Carolyn Magnus, library director

• Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA, by Richard Hill (Familius LLC, 2017)

Finding out that he was adopted when he was 18 in 1964, Richard Hill begins a long quest to find his birth parents. Family secrets, lies, closed adoption records, rumors, and long periods of inactivity on his part, slowed down his search. With lots of help along the way and the then new science of genetic genealogy, Richard Hill’s story is a real page-turner for family history enthusiasts. A bonus feature includes a beginner’s guide to DNA testing.

• Beneath a Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan (Lake Union Publishing, 2017)

This fictionalized account of the true adventures of a young man during the Nazi occupation of Italy shows the fortitude and courage of this forgotten hero. Pino Lella was a teenager when Germany invaded his home city of Milan and bombed his home. Pino is recruited to be a personal driver for a Nazi general which affords him the opportunity to become a spy for the Allies.

• A Long Way Home, by Saroo Brierley (Berkley, 2015)

Moving memoir of a young Indian boy who finds himself on a long train ride across India and unable to find his way home. Living in poverty with his mother, two brothers and baby sister, Saroo was 5 years old when he accompanies his oldest brother to the train station. Separated from his brother, Saroo manages to survive on his own but is unable to remember the name of his hometown. He is taken to an orphanage where he is adopted by an Australian couple and grows up in Australia. He begins his hunt for his birth family with the help of his Australian parents, friends, and Google Earth. This amazing story was a Third Tuesday Book Club (Portsmouth Free Public Library’s adult book club) favorite. This memoir was made into the movie “Lion,” which was released in 2016.

Colleen LeComte, teen/reference librarian

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Atria Books, 2017)

An absolute gem of a story! Set in mostly 1950s and 1960s Hollywood, it ties into today’s world when a glamorous star hires a reporter to tell her life story. This is classy, relevant, and so deliciously scandalous. The twists and turns keep you coming back for more, and I cried more than once. This book got our book club talking more and more and we kept bringing it up later in conversation. There is a series set to possibly come out in the near future, so stay tuned!

• Starry Eyes, by Jenn Bennett (Simon Pulse, 2018)

I love everything about this book! This is a great young adult light romance novel with hiking, camping, good and bad familial relationships, with traditional and nontraditional aspects. The writing is excellent and wraps the reader in warmth from the beginning. They touch upon the true feelings of stress and anxiety in teens, physical relationships, and many of the teen’s actions have consequences. This is a great general recommendation for high school students, grade 9 and up.

• Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf, 2014)

A super flu breaks out across the nation, capturing the fear and difficulties civilization now faces, from sickness to lack of modern day conveniences. Told in alternating points of view, the reader travels across the United States, seeing the positivity of people trying to regain their footing, and those that are lost. Particular aspects stand out, such as a museum a group of survivors build in an airport, described as a museum of “the human enterprise.” The atmosphere and potential disaster of a flu outbreak shine through perfectly.

Nicole Carrubba, children’s librarian

• A Stone Sat Still, by Brendan Wenzel (Chronicle Books, 2019)

In this deceptively quiet book about perspective, Wenzel draws us in to the life of … a rock. What could be dull turns out to be an illuminating meditation on nature, its cycles, and how a community can inhabit the same space differently, but with equal importance. Perfect for a cuddle on a blustery day, this is a lovely picture book not to be missed. You won’t see a rock on your family’s fall hikes in quite the same way again!

• The Okay Witch, by Emma Steinkellner (Aladdin, 2019)

A graphic novel just right for the season. Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush discovers she’s from a long line of witches in fictional Founder's Bluff, Mass. In order to learn her family’s history, as well as the secrets of her town, she must summon the courage to face challenges both past and present. Moth is a likable character who is full of flaws, so it’s fun to go on this historical journey with her. Throw in a humorous cat and a steadfast best friend, and you’ve got the makings for a page-turning Halloween read.

• Snow Globe Wishes, by Erin Dealey; pictures by Claire Shorrock (Sleeping Bear Press, 2019)

Great for when the temperature drops, this joyful book celebrates what happens when a girl wishes for a snow day for everyone — parents included. With no power, no responsibilities, and nowhere better to be than outside in the snow, a little girl’s wish comes true. Kids will appreciate the soft-as-a-snowflake illustrations, and parents will allow themselves to slow down and dream of pillow forts and marshmallow-filled mugs. A universal message of peace and joy for all rounds out this wintertime delight. 

Sue Rousseau, teenage/reference librarian

• I recently read The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen (Henry Holt and Co., 2019). It's a teen fantasy story about a girl named Fie. The society is divided by a caste system. Fie is a Crow, the lowest caste, and ends up on a quest to save the kingdom. I was cheering for her and hoping she didn't get in her own way. This is the first book in the series, but it reads like a stand-alone title. The next book, The Faithless Hawk, is scheduled to be out in July 2020.

• Within These Lines, by Stephanie Morrill (Blink, 2019)

This book took on a topic I haven't seen much in teen World War II historical fiction, namely the internment of Japanese-Americans in California. Evalina is part of an Italian American family who meets Taichi, a Japanese-American. When Taichi’s family is sent to Manazanar Relocation Center, Evalina fights to keep them together, even though interracial marriage is illegal in San Francisco at this time. 

• Baltimore Blues, by Laura Lippman (William Morrow, 1997)

This book is the first in the Tess Monaghan series by Laura Lippman. Tess is an unemployed journalist who is looking for a career change. Her friend and rowing partner needs help so she takes the case, reluctantly. Tess is an interesting main character with interesting family and friends. The series has me hooked. On to the second book, Charm City!