ELLE Readers’ Prize Picks: July

Len Lagrua

3. The Ghost of Greenwich Village (Ballantine), by Lorna Graham

Readers also enjoyed the fizzier quest that propels this love letter to the Big Apple, as a budding TV writer struggles with her apartment's flinty resident ghost (a frustrated Beat-era author) and the shadow of her late bohemian mom's high expectations.

Graham explores what it means to belong to a place and to follow your own path and create your own story. For Eve Weldon, it means moving to Greenwich Village to follow in her mother's footsteps and realize her dream of becoming a writer. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters from the past and present, all looking for the same thing: love and acceptance in the big city. Ultimately, this is a love story between a girl and her city—Greenwich Village is really the heroine of this novel.  The star-crossed lovers are its historic buildings and streets and the ghosts that haunt them. Graham does a beautiful job of capturing the magic of New York's literary past in her creation of Eve's story, and readers can't help but cheer Eve on as she finds her way in the Big Apple.—Maria Sabistina, Rocky River, OH

When Eve Weldon moves into a small apartment in Greenwich Village, she sets out on an adventure to learn more about her mother, who lived in the area during the 1960s. Eve soon discovers that her apartment is haunted by Donald, a crotchety and demanding Beatnik ghost, who is trying to use Eve to write down his very odd poems. Her new job writing fluffy segments on the morning news show Smell the Coffee isn't the poetic life she thought she would lead. Eve encounters some very interesting characters as she tries to piece together information from her mother's past, including a reclusive fashion designer and a friendly vintage clothing seller. The real story is Eve learning about making her own community, finding her way in New York, learning about her past, and believing in herself.—Kaarin Moore, Washington DC

Ghost is a quirky, engaging read. Although the premise—friendship with a ghost—sounds a bit ridiculous, Graham's writing makes this coming-of-age novel a delight. It manages to be both light-hearted and surprisingly affecting.—Carrie Dunham-LaGree, Albany, NY

Unfortunately, Ghost is a confused and a watered-down parable—one that has too many moving parts without substance.—Anne Fallon, New York, New York

Eve is warm and relatable, but the instant ease with which she performs the duties of her new job despite having no experience in that field makes for a less-than-plausible situation. As is the unlikely friendship she forms with a reclusive renowned designer. What keeps the reader going is the beautiful dialogue and stylistic appeal that Graham brings to the table.—Suzanne Warner, Alameda, CA

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