I Loved You in Another Life

By: Jamie Steinberg

Do you believe in soulmates? It’s a concept that is featured in many religions and cultures and is explored here in author David Arnold’s book I Loved You in Another Life. While the focus of the story is on two teenagers with familial troubles, the core of the book focuses on lifetimes of love. If you believe in souls separated only to reunite time and time again, this book is for you.

Evan Taft is a Senior in high school. He lives with his younger brother, Will, and his mother. Evan is a gifted artist and hoping to head to Alaska for college to undertake an incredible art program. However, when his mother learns she has cancer he struggles with leaving them behind. He has a wonderful set of friends by his side, but still struggles with panic attacks (“storms”). Shosh Bell is a former student at the same high school that Evan attends. She was/is a talented writer, singer and theater arts performer. She dreamt of attending USC’s theater arts program, but when her older sister is killed by a drunk driver it sends her spiraling. Both of these damaged individuals are united; however, by the sound of music – “Nightbird” as they deem her – who sends both of them little hints of songs that draws them to one another. Eventually the story becomes less about the troubles these two are facing and more about the invisible tether that seems to exist between them.

The beautiful love story that resides in I Loved You in Another Life fills your heart. You only want good things for Evan and Shosh, who have both suffered so much. What disrupts the beautiful tale though is the interspersing of other examples of soulmates and how they have found one another over the centuries. As romantic and inspiring as it is, I wish there was more of a focus on the familial drama that each individual struggles with and even a bit more about how each one of them becomes the force of healing for each other. Plus, I wish there was more of a focus on Shosh’s steps towards changing her life for the better. However, be warned that author Arnold does an exceptional job of making you fall hard for Evan and his bond with brother Will.

For those in need of a reminder that soulmates do exist and even a reason to still believe in love, do yourself a favor and read I Loved You in Another Life. As a heads up, when you’re ready for the read, make sure to bring your box of tissues and a box of chocolate to keep on hand as  you enjoy turning every single page.