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I Loved You in Another Life
New York Times bestseller David Arnold returns with a poignant love story about two teens whose souls come together time and again through the ages—for fans of Nina LaCour and Matt Haig.
Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his little brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father's departure. But after his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, as Evan’s plans begin to fade, he hears something: a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer . . .
Shosh Bell has dreams. A high school theater legend, she’s headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void—and a soft voice singing in her ear . . .
Over it all, transcending time and space, a celestial bird brings strangers together: from an escaped murderer in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian kosmonaut in low-earth orbit, something is happening that began long ago, and will long outlast Evan and Shosh. With lyrical prose and original songs (written and recorded by the author), I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE explores the history of love, and how some souls are meant for each other—yesterday, today, forever.
Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his little brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father's departure. But after his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, as Evan’s plans begin to fade, he hears something: a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer . . .
Shosh Bell has dreams. A high school theater legend, she’s headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void—and a soft voice singing in her ear . . .
Over it all, transcending time and space, a celestial bird brings strangers together: from an escaped murderer in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian kosmonaut in low-earth orbit, something is happening that began long ago, and will long outlast Evan and Shosh. With lyrical prose and original songs (written and recorded by the author), I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE explores the history of love, and how some souls are meant for each other—yesterday, today, forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
373 people are currently reading
22276 people want to read
About the author
David Arnold
7 books1,685 followersDavid Arnold is the New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland, I Loved You in Another Life, The Electric Kingdom, Kids of Appetite, and The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik. He has won the Southern Book Prize and the Great Lakes Book Award, and was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start for his debut. His books have been translated into over a dozen languages. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife and son. Learn more at davidarnoldbooks.com and follow him on Instagram @iamdavidarnold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 785 reviews
dnf
June 7, 2024Welp, I took a chance with this one based on the cover but it's just not holding my interest and I've no real desire to go back to it. DNF @54%.
July 15, 2024
This book evoked a myriad of complex emotions and stirred an emotional turmoil within me. I have always been drawn to the themes of endless love and the pursuit of one's soulmate across different timelines. The unfortunate nature of short-lived love stories has always fascinated me, and I was eager to delve deep into this philosophical plotline. The author's poetic and somewhat enigmatic storytelling style seemed to be a perfect fit for this unique fantasy world. However, I found myself not fully enjoying the overall execution of this original story. The pacing was slow, making it difficult to get immersed in the narrative from the beginning. The introduction of the main characters' storylines took longer than expected, leaving me feeling somewhat lost and requiring extra effort to find my place in the reading journey. It was a challenging experience that demanded considerable effort to connect with the characters and understand their different timelines.
Furthermore, the conclusion left me with lingering questions, which didn't fully satisfy my personal taste.
The plot revolves around Shosh and Even, the main characters who live separate lives but begin to uncover echoes from their past lives. Shosh is still mourning the loss of her sister, causing her dreams of attending college and pursuing a career in theater to be put on hold as her anger takes control of her present. During a blurry state of mind induced by excessive drinking, she starts hearing the haunting melody of a mysterious woman's song, which may lead her down a different path.
Evan, on the other hand, has his own share of burdens. He grapples with his mother's battle with cancer and his neglectful father's refusal to return home during this life-and-death struggle. He is also at a loss on how to help his 7-year-old brother, who often retreats into a fantasy world instead of facing the harsh realities of their dysfunctional family life. Suddenly, Evan too begins to hear the captivating lyrics of the same mysterious singer, which may ultimately change everything he thought he knew about himself and his entire existence.
Overall, I appreciated the intriguing plotline of this book; however, I struggled with its slow and somewhat monotonous pacing, as well as the complex execution. Despite this, I remain interested in reading the author's future works. I appreciate the author's poetic and original storytelling skills, and I am giving this book a solid three-star rating.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Furthermore, the conclusion left me with lingering questions, which didn't fully satisfy my personal taste.
The plot revolves around Shosh and Even, the main characters who live separate lives but begin to uncover echoes from their past lives. Shosh is still mourning the loss of her sister, causing her dreams of attending college and pursuing a career in theater to be put on hold as her anger takes control of her present. During a blurry state of mind induced by excessive drinking, she starts hearing the haunting melody of a mysterious woman's song, which may lead her down a different path.
Evan, on the other hand, has his own share of burdens. He grapples with his mother's battle with cancer and his neglectful father's refusal to return home during this life-and-death struggle. He is also at a loss on how to help his 7-year-old brother, who often retreats into a fantasy world instead of facing the harsh realities of their dysfunctional family life. Suddenly, Evan too begins to hear the captivating lyrics of the same mysterious singer, which may ultimately change everything he thought he knew about himself and his entire existence.
Overall, I appreciated the intriguing plotline of this book; however, I struggled with its slow and somewhat monotonous pacing, as well as the complex execution. Despite this, I remain interested in reading the author's future works. I appreciate the author's poetic and original storytelling skills, and I am giving this book a solid three-star rating.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
October 10, 2023
4.5⭐️ Have you ever finished a book and come away with the feeling that you have no idea how you feel about it, other than that you somehow felt a very strong connection to it? That is how I feel about this book. It is a slow read, and takes a little while for you to begin to understand the MCs, but by the time the end rolled around, I found myself shedding tears for what felt like very real characters.
This book deals with some very heavy themes (please check your trigger warnings) but the coming of age story and romance at the core are phenomenal. With threads of historical fiction and magical realism woven in so beautifully from start to finish, this one held my attention throughout even with its more slow burn nature.
It’s a very unique YA romance and I would recommend it on audio for the best experience since this story is told, in part, through verse (though I apologize now for the male narrators singing 😬).
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
📚coming of age
👨👩👧👦overcoming trauma
💫written in the stars
🪄magical realism
✌🏼dual pov
Thank you Penguin Teen and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
This book deals with some very heavy themes (please check your trigger warnings) but the coming of age story and romance at the core are phenomenal. With threads of historical fiction and magical realism woven in so beautifully from start to finish, this one held my attention throughout even with its more slow burn nature.
It’s a very unique YA romance and I would recommend it on audio for the best experience since this story is told, in part, through verse (though I apologize now for the male narrators singing 😬).
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
📚coming of age
👨👩👧👦overcoming trauma
💫written in the stars
🪄magical realism
✌🏼dual pov
Thank you Penguin Teen and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
November 1, 2023
It could've been really good; I like the idea of the storyline. Unfortunately, I really didn't like the way the story was written. I had SUCH A HARD TIME to get through it. ☹️ I almost DNF for like 20 times
April 26, 2023
Poetic, dreamy, meandering prose takes the reader on a slow ride through these characters' lives.
This is a beautiful book, but it takes some work to get into it. I spent the first few pages confused on who the characters were and how they related to each other. Arnold doesn't introduce characters so much as throw the reader headlong into their stream of consciousness. The main characters take a while to meet, but everything's building towards that momentous moment.
Shosh's angry after her sister's death caused her to lose everything. Stevie was her moon: the person she centered her whole being on. She's floundering, having refused to follow her previous dream of going to college and pursuing theater in the aftermath of her grief. Through the haze of alcohol, she begins to hear a mysterious singer with lyrics that seem to be leading her to something.
Evan's struggling with his dad walking out on the family, especially after the mom's cancer diagnosis doesn't bring him back. Most of all, he's struggling with how to take care of William, his brilliant, sensitive seven-year-old brother, who does things like build a spaceship in his room, cover himself in Band-aids and watch ET every Tuesday night for years. I just wanted to give him a hug. Evan's prepared to sacrifice his own future to take care of them, but when he begins to hear a mysterious singer, his whole world's set off kilter.
The story of Shosh and Evan is interspersed with stories of them being brought together time and again in past lives, only for the romance to be short-lived due to tragedy. It leaves the reader rooting for their souls to finally find long-lasting happiness this time.
Arnold has a insightful, visionary way of stating things, crafting lines that stuck with me long after I'd finished the book.
An example of a passage that stuck out to me:
“Things have a way of taking on the lives of those around them, so when someone in the house betrays you, it's a betrayal multiplied in perpetuity: your favorite book turns to drivel; coffee in space-related paraphernalia, undrinkable; couches, unsittable. And when the betrayer walks out the front door for the last time, you'll have to dig a tunnel under the house, or exit through the chimney, because fuck that door.”
These beautiful, troubled characters find healing in each other. I loved the ways characters loved and supported each other wholeheartedly throughout this book: Evan has Ali and Shosh has Ms. Clark. It's Arnold's ability to draw out the human beauty in us all that made the ending of the book so touching.
This is a beautiful book, but it takes some work to get into it. I spent the first few pages confused on who the characters were and how they related to each other. Arnold doesn't introduce characters so much as throw the reader headlong into their stream of consciousness. The main characters take a while to meet, but everything's building towards that momentous moment.
Shosh's angry after her sister's death caused her to lose everything. Stevie was her moon: the person she centered her whole being on. She's floundering, having refused to follow her previous dream of going to college and pursuing theater in the aftermath of her grief. Through the haze of alcohol, she begins to hear a mysterious singer with lyrics that seem to be leading her to something.
Evan's struggling with his dad walking out on the family, especially after the mom's cancer diagnosis doesn't bring him back. Most of all, he's struggling with how to take care of William, his brilliant, sensitive seven-year-old brother, who does things like build a spaceship in his room, cover himself in Band-aids and watch ET every Tuesday night for years. I just wanted to give him a hug. Evan's prepared to sacrifice his own future to take care of them, but when he begins to hear a mysterious singer, his whole world's set off kilter.
The story of Shosh and Evan is interspersed with stories of them being brought together time and again in past lives, only for the romance to be short-lived due to tragedy. It leaves the reader rooting for their souls to finally find long-lasting happiness this time.
Arnold has a insightful, visionary way of stating things, crafting lines that stuck with me long after I'd finished the book.
An example of a passage that stuck out to me:
“Things have a way of taking on the lives of those around them, so when someone in the house betrays you, it's a betrayal multiplied in perpetuity: your favorite book turns to drivel; coffee in space-related paraphernalia, undrinkable; couches, unsittable. And when the betrayer walks out the front door for the last time, you'll have to dig a tunnel under the house, or exit through the chimney, because fuck that door.”
These beautiful, troubled characters find healing in each other. I loved the ways characters loved and supported each other wholeheartedly throughout this book: Evan has Ali and Shosh has Ms. Clark. It's Arnold's ability to draw out the human beauty in us all that made the ending of the book so touching.
April 17, 2023
I liked this but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t confused. It’s like I think I have an idea of what this was trying to do but I just didn’t get the other lives parts. I did like when we were in Shosh’s and Evan’s POVs which was majority of the book. Also ended a bit too open-ended for my liking
November 20, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I liked this book! I hate to admit that this one is probably the least favorite out of the books by this author that I have read so far. But it is still a very solid read. I loved the idea of two people drawn together again and again during different lifetimes and I am always a fan of books that involve music. I am glad that I gave this one a try.
Evan is dealing with the fact that his father left and his mom has cancer. He is very close to his brother and wants to be there and be strong for him. Shosh’s life has taken a wrong turn after she lost the sister that she was extremely close to after she was hit by a drunk driver. Both of these characters hear a song that nobody else seems to hear which brings them together.
I really liked Evan and Shosh. They both have so much to deal with and I loved that they were able to connect so completely. I really wanted to see good things happen for both of them. I did get a bit confused at times when the narrative switched to a point in a different time but I eventually came to expect and look forward to those glimpses of different lifetimes.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Carlotta Brentan, Michael Crouch, and Sigrid Zeiner did a great job with this story. I thought that each of the narrators had a very pleasant voice which was easy to listen to for hours at a time. I liked the way that they were able to bring this poetic story to life. I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to at least two of these narrators but I am certain that their narration only added to my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this book. It wasn’t my favorite but it was a solid, although sometimes confusing, story. I definitely feel like this one was worth the read and look forward to reading more of David Arnold’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Teen and Penguin Random House Audio.
I liked this book! I hate to admit that this one is probably the least favorite out of the books by this author that I have read so far. But it is still a very solid read. I loved the idea of two people drawn together again and again during different lifetimes and I am always a fan of books that involve music. I am glad that I gave this one a try.
Evan is dealing with the fact that his father left and his mom has cancer. He is very close to his brother and wants to be there and be strong for him. Shosh’s life has taken a wrong turn after she lost the sister that she was extremely close to after she was hit by a drunk driver. Both of these characters hear a song that nobody else seems to hear which brings them together.
I really liked Evan and Shosh. They both have so much to deal with and I loved that they were able to connect so completely. I really wanted to see good things happen for both of them. I did get a bit confused at times when the narrative switched to a point in a different time but I eventually came to expect and look forward to those glimpses of different lifetimes.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Carlotta Brentan, Michael Crouch, and Sigrid Zeiner did a great job with this story. I thought that each of the narrators had a very pleasant voice which was easy to listen to for hours at a time. I liked the way that they were able to bring this poetic story to life. I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to at least two of these narrators but I am certain that their narration only added to my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this book. It wasn’t my favorite but it was a solid, although sometimes confusing, story. I definitely feel like this one was worth the read and look forward to reading more of David Arnold’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Teen and Penguin Random House Audio.
October 19, 2023
This young adult romance hit hard in the romance which made up for the lighter punch in plot. The book is a slow burn and took me a while to really get into it. I get where it was coming from with the inserts of other timelines but I didn’t really need them and another format may have fit better? I did like the characters, obviously Will was a favorite of mine. Evan and Shosh were harder for me to connect to (which made sense, their characters were massively closed off to start) but once I did this was definitely a story that made me cry in the end. I loved the imagery of the music they were hearing and loved the artistic representation in this one. Evan and Shosh don’t know each other but they are both adrift in a strange point in their lives, Evan is considering putting his dreams on hold since his father left and his mother has breast cancer and he worries about his younger brother. Shosh’s sister died and she doesn’t know how to go on without her. While they don’t know each other when they meet it’s like they do. A sweet love story. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the well done emotional aspect.
July 17, 2023
Format Read: Ebook from NetGalley (Releases 10/10/23)
Review: The writing was very enjoyable and beautiful, and parts of the story were as well, but the vast majority was haphazard and made me feel the same. I was unable to fall in love with the characters and that left me feeling alone while I read. I found the acknowledgements to have more emotions then the book.
Recommended For: Those who want a YA love story.
Review: The writing was very enjoyable and beautiful, and parts of the story were as well, but the vast majority was haphazard and made me feel the same. I was unable to fall in love with the characters and that left me feeling alone while I read. I found the acknowledgements to have more emotions then the book.
Recommended For: Those who want a YA love story.
May 4, 2024
Two teens who are feeling stuck find in each other what they need to move on. Shosh Bell and her sister were best friends. Her sister’s death turned Shosh’s life upside down, putting her promising acting career on a sudden stop that she wasn't sure would ever start again. Evan Taft has been avoiding finishing his application for the six-month wilderness education program in Alaska that he’s been dreaming of for ages. He’s worried about leaving his mom, who’s being treated for cancer, and even more so his 7-year-old brother, who is obsessed with ET.
An almost overwhelming adoration for their siblings isn’t the only thing that Evan and Shosh have in common...they both can hear music that no one else seems to be able to, and it's pulling them together. When they finally meet, they have an immediate connection and a feeling that they’ve known each other before.... but how is that even possible? Their alternating points of view are interspersed with stories from the past and the future and many timelines in between...1832 Paris...1953 Tokyo...2109 Oslo. They start to believe that maybe their souls are destined to find each other across many multiple lifetimes.
The prose and dialogue of this story helps to build two beautiful and sympathetic characters, adding layers that make the story special in spite of the almost overabundant pop-culture references that quickly date the book. It's the first time I have read this author, but he did a magnificent job of completely capturing the intensity of first love.
An almost overwhelming adoration for their siblings isn’t the only thing that Evan and Shosh have in common...they both can hear music that no one else seems to be able to, and it's pulling them together. When they finally meet, they have an immediate connection and a feeling that they’ve known each other before.... but how is that even possible? Their alternating points of view are interspersed with stories from the past and the future and many timelines in between...1832 Paris...1953 Tokyo...2109 Oslo. They start to believe that maybe their souls are destined to find each other across many multiple lifetimes.
The prose and dialogue of this story helps to build two beautiful and sympathetic characters, adding layers that make the story special in spite of the almost overabundant pop-culture references that quickly date the book. It's the first time I have read this author, but he did a magnificent job of completely capturing the intensity of first love.
September 12, 2023
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Not happy about the ending, because I want to read more about Evan and Shosh, about all they experience. But what a blessing this book is. I wish I could physically put this in my heart so I could be sure I will never forget it exists or how happy it made me.
October 1, 2024
This was deeply romantic and heart-felt. It's a story about two people who keep finding each other and falling in love in different lifetimes. I enjoyed the past glimpses of them falling in love, as well as the current lives they were living.
The characters were realistic and relatable. The story flowed nicely.
Thank you so much, Penguin Teen, for the opportunity to read this ARC before it releases.
The characters were realistic and relatable. The story flowed nicely.
Thank you so much, Penguin Teen, for the opportunity to read this ARC before it releases.
November 9, 2023
This was SO bad. Like horrendous. I honestly don't understand what the author was trying to do with it, and there were so many elements that I could have done without.
The flashbacks had no bearing at all on the main story - if they weren't there, the story would be exactly the same. I listened to this as an audiobook, and definitely could have done without the singing. Again, completely out of place and actually not hugely important to the story either. The ending wasn't satisfying either - after all this build up to Evan and Shosh (also, Shosh, really?) we don't even get to see them spend any time together. Literally one party with friends.
It's disappointing because it sounded so good, and had so much potential, and I thought it was going to give me Addie LaRue vibes, but this was just a hot mess.
I've given this two stars purely for Will and his character. If I had been reading this as a physical book, it would absolutely have been a DNF.
The flashbacks had no bearing at all on the main story - if they weren't there, the story would be exactly the same. I listened to this as an audiobook, and definitely could have done without the singing. Again, completely out of place and actually not hugely important to the story either. The ending wasn't satisfying either - after all this build up to Evan and Shosh (also, Shosh, really?) we don't even get to see them spend any time together. Literally one party with friends.
It's disappointing because it sounded so good, and had so much potential, and I thought it was going to give me Addie LaRue vibes, but this was just a hot mess.
I've given this two stars purely for Will and his character. If I had been reading this as a physical book, it would absolutely have been a DNF.
November 27, 2023
Whew that one got me several times over 😭 gorgeous gorgeous writing and I love these characters something fierce.
——————-
New DAVID ARNOLD!!! I need it now.
"In alternating POV, the story follows Shosh and Evan, the only two people who hear the voice of a mysterious singer, whose lyrics bring their souls together time and time again, through the ages. Publication is planned for Fall 2023."
From David's Insta:
"I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is easily the most vulnerable book I've written. It's inspired by my kid, and the early years of falling in love with my wife. There are a few personal obsessions in there, including my unending love for the movie E.T., my reincarnation fascination, and yes, music."
——————-
New DAVID ARNOLD!!! I need it now.
"In alternating POV, the story follows Shosh and Evan, the only two people who hear the voice of a mysterious singer, whose lyrics bring their souls together time and time again, through the ages. Publication is planned for Fall 2023."
From David's Insta:
"I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is easily the most vulnerable book I've written. It's inspired by my kid, and the early years of falling in love with my wife. There are a few personal obsessions in there, including my unending love for the movie E.T., my reincarnation fascination, and yes, music."
March 13, 2024
it was okay but just way too long, it literally takes at least a third of the book before the two characters meet, before that it's just full on description about their life, which like okay important to get a background but unnecessary for it to take that long.
because of that it took me so long to read because i just wasn't invested in the story.
because of that it took me so long to read because i just wasn't invested in the story.
October 8, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from Reader’s First in exchange for an honest review.
First off, this isn’t my usual choice of genre - my go to is crime thrillers, basically if someone doesn’t die in the first few chapters, there’s a chance I might put the book down 🤣
I am also not the target market for this book either, that being said I did enjoy the story. I liked the trips through time, linking up all the stories. I really liked the characters, they were well fleshed out, likeable and relatable.
Despite the title, it wasn’t overly wishy washy - it was just the right level. There were a couple of times where I thought the story dipped and I wasn’t fully understanding what was going on but I’ve put this down to the ethereal nature of the storyline.
First off, this isn’t my usual choice of genre - my go to is crime thrillers, basically if someone doesn’t die in the first few chapters, there’s a chance I might put the book down 🤣
I am also not the target market for this book either, that being said I did enjoy the story. I liked the trips through time, linking up all the stories. I really liked the characters, they were well fleshed out, likeable and relatable.
Despite the title, it wasn’t overly wishy washy - it was just the right level. There were a couple of times where I thought the story dipped and I wasn’t fully understanding what was going on but I’ve put this down to the ethereal nature of the storyline.
January 31, 2024
2.5 stars.
A great idea for a story, but the execution just didn't pan out. There is some great character work, but the plot somewhat spins its wheels. There are some interesting time jumps, but they are such small snippets that they just don't provide enough oomph to the story. There are several interesting moments that could have been explored to really strong plot points, but everything is almost left as more of an outline than a fully fleshed out story. Similarly the ending makes a time jump and somewhat fizzles out. I wanted so much more from this than I was given.
A great idea for a story, but the execution just didn't pan out. There is some great character work, but the plot somewhat spins its wheels. There are some interesting time jumps, but they are such small snippets that they just don't provide enough oomph to the story. There are several interesting moments that could have been explored to really strong plot points, but everything is almost left as more of an outline than a fully fleshed out story. Similarly the ending makes a time jump and somewhat fizzles out. I wanted so much more from this than I was given.
October 12, 2023
I Loved You In Another Life is such a sweet coming of age story with a romance. I say that, as yes there is a romance and I liked it, but I don't feel that is the best part of the story. No, I found myself far more enamored with the huge focus on family and personal growth that the characters undertook. In fact, I'd say that for a fairly large portion of the book, there is no romance, though it's clear to see where it's headed based on the chapters of other lives interspersed throughout the story.
For at least half the book, the main focus is on where Evan and Shosh are in their lives- hurting for various reasons, struggling with how to plan their next steps. Man, I've said it many times but it bears repeating, seventeen and eighteen year olds should not have to choose their entire future trajectories. I digress, Evan and Shosh have to do just that, and with a lot on their plates. They are both dealing with some pretty heavy family issues, and personal issues, yet have these looming unknowns hanging over their heads. So when they end up drawn to each other, it makes sense.
Here's the thing: if you're going into this for the "other lives" part... you may not be totally satisfied? I enjoyed reading about the other lives, don't misunderstand! I just didn't really get what their point in the story was, and frankly, never really got any such answer. The book mostly reads as a contemporary, with this little hint of "other", which is not a bad thing! Just perhaps not wholly what I expected.
A few more reasons to read this one before I tag out: Evan's mom and brother are legit everything. Like can I just have a spinoff of those two? Looove. Also, this book is very therapy positive, and I love how the author handled the mental health aspect with open and honest conversations. Very well done!
Bottom Line: A very lovely story about choosing your path, overcoming obstacles, and yeah, maybe finding love too.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
For at least half the book, the main focus is on where Evan and Shosh are in their lives- hurting for various reasons, struggling with how to plan their next steps. Man, I've said it many times but it bears repeating, seventeen and eighteen year olds should not have to choose their entire future trajectories. I digress, Evan and Shosh have to do just that, and with a lot on their plates. They are both dealing with some pretty heavy family issues, and personal issues, yet have these looming unknowns hanging over their heads. So when they end up drawn to each other, it makes sense.
Here's the thing: if you're going into this for the "other lives" part... you may not be totally satisfied? I enjoyed reading about the other lives, don't misunderstand! I just didn't really get what their point in the story was, and frankly, never really got any such answer. The book mostly reads as a contemporary, with this little hint of "other", which is not a bad thing! Just perhaps not wholly what I expected.
A few more reasons to read this one before I tag out: Evan's mom and brother are legit everything. Like can I just have a spinoff of those two? Looove. Also, this book is very therapy positive, and I love how the author handled the mental health aspect with open and honest conversations. Very well done!
Bottom Line: A very lovely story about choosing your path, overcoming obstacles, and yeah, maybe finding love too.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
October 14, 2023
I'm at a loss for words on how to describe this book.
The concept feels so original, and the beats so unique. Evan and Shosh never felt like typical romance characters, but their love story transcended time, and I ate it up.
The relationship between Evan and Shosh may have been billed as the love story of the book, but the true love story for me was between Evan and Will. Their relationship was the best, Will was easily the best character, and now all I want to do is watch ET.
I cried so much during this book, it's not even funny, but it was well worth it, and this book will be sticking with me for a long time.
The concept feels so original, and the beats so unique. Evan and Shosh never felt like typical romance characters, but their love story transcended time, and I ate it up.
The relationship between Evan and Shosh may have been billed as the love story of the book, but the true love story for me was between Evan and Will. Their relationship was the best, Will was easily the best character, and now all I want to do is watch ET.
I cried so much during this book, it's not even funny, but it was well worth it, and this book will be sticking with me for a long time.
October 9, 2023
Wow. Got this book as an ARC and feel honored to read before the rest of the world. I'll admit the beginning had me a bit thrown off and unsure I'd like to continue, but I'm glad I did. Truly gorgeous phrasing and quotable lines. The sibling relationships are overwhelming with love, and the friendships are just as beautiful.
"Meeting in time to say goodbye means we met in time to say hello."
"Meeting in time to say goodbye means we met in time to say hello."
January 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Picture this: I'm sat on a 5 hour long train journey, reading this whole book in one sitting, having to stop at multiple points and physically force myself not to burst into tears in front of all the other passengers. This had me SO emotional - the PR package I was sent included tissues with this book, and boy were they needed! It was literally gutpunching at times (especially the scenes between Evan and his mum).
This does take a bit of work to get into - the prose is very poetic and dreamy, and I did find myself in the first few pages unsure of whether I would actually like this or not (I already had pretty high expectations from the stunning cover alone!). However, once I was in, I was fully in - I loved these characters, I loved the concept, the notion of meeting again and again in different lifetimes and being drawn to certain souls. It was honestly just so beautiful, and completely full of hope too.
I wish it had been longer so I could have spent more time with these characters. Admittedly, I did prefer Evan's POV to that of Shosh, but I think that's more of a personal preference based on what they were going through/finding Shosh's alcoholism to be quite uncomfortable to read personally. I also just adored Evan's little brother Will and his obsession with E.T. - he has my whole heart.
This won't be the book for everyone, and I can understand why, but for me I absolutely loved it and desperately need to read more from this author now.
Picture this: I'm sat on a 5 hour long train journey, reading this whole book in one sitting, having to stop at multiple points and physically force myself not to burst into tears in front of all the other passengers. This had me SO emotional - the PR package I was sent included tissues with this book, and boy were they needed! It was literally gutpunching at times (especially the scenes between Evan and his mum).
This does take a bit of work to get into - the prose is very poetic and dreamy, and I did find myself in the first few pages unsure of whether I would actually like this or not (I already had pretty high expectations from the stunning cover alone!). However, once I was in, I was fully in - I loved these characters, I loved the concept, the notion of meeting again and again in different lifetimes and being drawn to certain souls. It was honestly just so beautiful, and completely full of hope too.
I wish it had been longer so I could have spent more time with these characters. Admittedly, I did prefer Evan's POV to that of Shosh, but I think that's more of a personal preference based on what they were going through/finding Shosh's alcoholism to be quite uncomfortable to read personally. I also just adored Evan's little brother Will and his obsession with E.T. - he has my whole heart.
This won't be the book for everyone, and I can understand why, but for me I absolutely loved it and desperately need to read more from this author now.
December 13, 2023
i just finished and so i am writing this review with tears in my eyes. this book is a lyrical story about two young people that both have lived through a terrible loss in their lives. they don’t know each other yet but they hear the same song no one else can hear except for them.
the story takes us through time, highlighting how each of them is struggling with grief in their own way and being on the cusp of adulthood.
a book about soulmates that was beautifully written and so touching that i might just read it all over again immediately. i think the best books are the books that you’ll continue to carry in your heart and mind with you everywhere you go and this might be one of those for me. a real and yet magical story.
“and sometimes—on
occasion—she wondered if she'd missed her chance
at love.”
“please say you see the value of us, not just what we might become.”
“and the feeling of his being, of his body against hers, became again both ancient and new, and how to explain that for as much as she would miss him, it was nothing compared to how much she already had missed him?”
the story takes us through time, highlighting how each of them is struggling with grief in their own way and being on the cusp of adulthood.
a book about soulmates that was beautifully written and so touching that i might just read it all over again immediately. i think the best books are the books that you’ll continue to carry in your heart and mind with you everywhere you go and this might be one of those for me. a real and yet magical story.
“and sometimes—on
occasion—she wondered if she'd missed her chance
at love.”
“please say you see the value of us, not just what we might become.”
“and the feeling of his being, of his body against hers, became again both ancient and new, and how to explain that for as much as she would miss him, it was nothing compared to how much she already had missed him?”
September 25, 2023
Initially, I was drawn in by the beautiful cover art and the promise of a sweeping love story from the synopsis.
While I feel like I did get that out of the story...it also felt like a chore. The story as a whole is an incredibly slow-paced journey to get to a rather lack-luster ending. I have more questions than answers and I think if I'd gotten more out of the end, I wouldn't have felt like the pacing wasn't so monotonous.
I can appreciate the poetic, complex story-telling and how the character's individual stories were woven together. I absolutely adored getting to know Evan, his family's dynamic, and his friendship with Ali.
Overall, I found I Loved You in Another Life beautiful-written and deeply heart-felt. The characters were easy to fall in love with and intriguing. I just wish it wasn't such a chore to fully enjoy.
Thank you PenguinTeen for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
While I feel like I did get that out of the story...it also felt like a chore. The story as a whole is an incredibly slow-paced journey to get to a rather lack-luster ending. I have more questions than answers and I think if I'd gotten more out of the end, I wouldn't have felt like the pacing wasn't so monotonous.
I can appreciate the poetic, complex story-telling and how the character's individual stories were woven together. I absolutely adored getting to know Evan, his family's dynamic, and his friendship with Ali.
Overall, I found I Loved You in Another Life beautiful-written and deeply heart-felt. The characters were easy to fall in love with and intriguing. I just wish it wasn't such a chore to fully enjoy.
Thank you PenguinTeen for the e-ARC to read and honestly review.
October 4, 2023
While I completely understand, and was excited for, what this book was trying to do it fell short for me.
First I do want to say that while I didn't personally enjoy the writing style it really was beautifully written and I would read more from this author.
It, for me, was really muddled. It got really confusing to try and keep up with where everything was going and all the jumping around. I feel like those transitions could have been done in a much smoother way. I also didn't really feel emotionally invested in the characters which is really unfortunate because of what the book is about, I wanted to feel devastated for their short love and hopeful for them finding it again. Lastly the ending. It left me with a lot of questions and I personally like neat bows.
It was by no means at all a bad book. It was an overall enjoyable read I was just hoping for more than it gave.
First I do want to say that while I didn't personally enjoy the writing style it really was beautifully written and I would read more from this author.
It, for me, was really muddled. It got really confusing to try and keep up with where everything was going and all the jumping around. I feel like those transitions could have been done in a much smoother way. I also didn't really feel emotionally invested in the characters which is really unfortunate because of what the book is about, I wanted to feel devastated for their short love and hopeful for them finding it again. Lastly the ending. It left me with a lot of questions and I personally like neat bows.
It was by no means at all a bad book. It was an overall enjoyable read I was just hoping for more than it gave.
February 27, 2024
So clearly written by a man, if I could give this a zero I would. The female main character is so qUrIrKy and unlike any other girl ever with her unusual name (that being Shosh Bell - seriously get a grip?!), and the fact that she wears oversized coats in the middle of summer because she's just so damn quirky, her awesome and equally quirky older (tragically dead) sister is dead and did I mention she died?!, she was so cool and quirky with her (traditionally masculine) name Stevie Bell, and did I mention Shosh is broken?! Poor girl needs to be saved by a man of course because she hates her family and they just don't understand her (despite losing their daughter {her sister} she's the only one in the world who feels this pain) and only this boy can save her.
Don't waste your time or brainpower reading this
Don't waste your time or brainpower reading this
December 22, 2023
Complex, moving, emotional
A mysterious singer called Nightbird pulls two people together across space and time. In Iverton, Illinois, Nightbird's voice enters the minds of Shosh and Evan, teenagers dealing with grief, family, and expression in their own way. When they find each other through a shared message, their relationship brings new emotions into their lives.
This book surprised me with the deep characters and motifs. Shosh and Evan's whole world felt very real. The writing was immersive, lyrical, and humorous. The whole story carried so much emotion which made me feel attached to the characters. I loved this!
A mysterious singer called Nightbird pulls two people together across space and time. In Iverton, Illinois, Nightbird's voice enters the minds of Shosh and Evan, teenagers dealing with grief, family, and expression in their own way. When they find each other through a shared message, their relationship brings new emotions into their lives.
This book surprised me with the deep characters and motifs. Shosh and Evan's whole world felt very real. The writing was immersive, lyrical, and humorous. The whole story carried so much emotion which made me feel attached to the characters. I loved this!
June 10, 2023
4,5 ⭐️ loved the little in-between stories, movie references and writing.
“She’s a Tarantino film, I’m Judd Apatow on a good day” 💗💗💗
“She’s a Tarantino film, I’m Judd Apatow on a good day” 💗💗💗
June 16, 2024
5/5
I believe the best books are those that feel real. Those that aren’t scared to portray the entirety of what being human means. The embarrassment. The awkwardness. The guilt. The longing. The anger. The hope. And this book has it all.
It tells the story of Evan and Shosh, two teenagers who are just trying to figure out their lives until they one day hear the same song. No one else can hear it, just like no one else can explain their dreams, the birds or the feeling of something like a string pulling them towards each other.
The story alternates between Evan’s POV, Shosh‘s POV and the love stories of different versions of Evan and Shosh who met each other in another life.
Although I read the second half of this book about a week after I’d read the first half (*cries in exam season*) their story never really left me. Their world felt like a place of its own to which I could return at any time and loose myself in. I was skeptical of the characters at first, especially Shosh, because she felt out of my comfort zone (if that makes sense) and the story definitely isn’t easy to get into at first. Yet, as the story progressed I started to see Shosh for who she truly is and I couldn’t help but fall in love with her, Evan and their story.
The best part about this story, however, is the ending and I think if you’ve read this book you’ll agree with me. Because you know that it’ll be okay. Because you know that they’ll find each other in another life.
This book is for every hopeful romantic. It is for everyone who believes in invisible strings, second half’s and soulmates. It is for those who stay up late at night, reading books, listening to love songs and dreaming about finding their true love. And most importantly it is for those who believe that something as magical, as eternal as love can’t be destroyed by something as ordinary as time.
xx
I believe the best books are those that feel real. Those that aren’t scared to portray the entirety of what being human means. The embarrassment. The awkwardness. The guilt. The longing. The anger. The hope. And this book has it all.
It tells the story of Evan and Shosh, two teenagers who are just trying to figure out their lives until they one day hear the same song. No one else can hear it, just like no one else can explain their dreams, the birds or the feeling of something like a string pulling them towards each other.
The story alternates between Evan’s POV, Shosh‘s POV and the love stories of different versions of Evan and Shosh who met each other in another life.
Although I read the second half of this book about a week after I’d read the first half (*cries in exam season*) their story never really left me. Their world felt like a place of its own to which I could return at any time and loose myself in. I was skeptical of the characters at first, especially Shosh, because she felt out of my comfort zone (if that makes sense) and the story definitely isn’t easy to get into at first. Yet, as the story progressed I started to see Shosh for who she truly is and I couldn’t help but fall in love with her, Evan and their story.
The best part about this story, however, is the ending and I think if you’ve read this book you’ll agree with me. Because you know that it’ll be okay. Because you know that they’ll find each other in another life.
This book is for every hopeful romantic. It is for everyone who believes in invisible strings, second half’s and soulmates. It is for those who stay up late at night, reading books, listening to love songs and dreaming about finding their true love. And most importantly it is for those who believe that something as magical, as eternal as love can’t be destroyed by something as ordinary as time.
xx
October 15, 2023
3.5 stars
February 24, 2024
This YA novel was heart achingly beautiful and I loved it <3
Evan and Shosh and both going through a grief so deep but so different and finding each other turns out to be the biggest light found in their darkness.
Now I am NOT an ET fan (trauma from my childhood - don’t ask) but DAMN this book made me want to be. A wonderfully written child character can make a book for me and wow Will was the best young character and his conversation with Shosh about Frog and Toad had me sobbing (IYKYK)
Evan and Shosh and both going through a grief so deep but so different and finding each other turns out to be the biggest light found in their darkness.
Now I am NOT an ET fan (trauma from my childhood - don’t ask) but DAMN this book made me want to be. A wonderfully written child character can make a book for me and wow Will was the best young character and his conversation with Shosh about Frog and Toad had me sobbing (IYKYK)
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