An editor at The Washington Post, Shroder traveled extensively with psychiatrist Ian Stevenson of the University of Virginia, who conducted past life and reincarnation research in Lebanon, India and the American South.

[3] In addition, birthmarks that occur at the sites of injury in the previous life constitute an important part of Stevenson's evidence.

[5] Jack Coulehan, writing for the New York University of Medicine, said "This book provides a good introduction to the work of Ian Stevenson, a man who qualifies for this database because he has devoted his professional life to the study of narrative.

[4] David Wallis, writing for The New York Times, has said "After years of mockery from colleagues, Dr. Ian Stevenson, Director of the Department of Personality Studies at the University of Virginia, is finally getting respect".

"[7] Old Souls received considerable media attention following publication, in the Los Angeles Times,[8] Chicago Tribune,[9] and other sources.