Joyce B. (tripletmom) -
Helpful Score: 5
Unbelievable true story of 2 young women who were misidentified after a horrible car accident. One was killed, the other seriously injured. The mix up is not discoved until much later, after one has been burried & another family has kept a constant vigile praying for their daughter to wake up. Easy reading. Read it very quickly.
Helpful Score: 4
I wanted to see the Prime Time Edition Special about this, but unfortunately I had other plans that night. Anyway, I thought that this book was hearbreaking, insightful and just a good read. I suppose that sounds strange considering the circumstances, but there is still a lot of hope in this fine book. I would suggest that anybody who has had had some kind of pain in their life should read this.
Keri (TXGrobanite) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I read this book a few days ago and just am now getting ready to post my review-it has stuck with me and I just can't get over what these two families went through (as well as the whole town). It is amazing that the Van Ryn's can forgive the hospital for mistaking Whitney for their daughter. It is also neat that the two families remain friends after what happened. Also includes several pages of pictures of both families and of Whitney in the hospital. Highly recommended but have tissues ready!!
Stephanie W. (StephanieW) -
Helpful Score: 4
My brother-in-law is a senior at Taylor University and knew all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. That said, this book is a very poignant look at an identity mix-up that had jarring consequences for each family involved. It's a rather short read, especially if you know all of the details, but offers insight that the television crews and cameras failed to capture.
Even questions that most people have asked about this story since it broke: "TWO families didn't know the identity of their own daughters?!" and "One girl had a belly-button ring and the other had a different eye color; they didn't even look alike. How could this have happened?" and "Was the Van Ryn family in denial about the true identity of the girl they were taking care, even after the hints Cerak gave, because they didn't want to face the knowledge their own daughter had died?" are mostly answered in this book. Some of the answers given by both families seem a bit naive at times, but ultimately come off as believable.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, true story. While God is mentioned and both families are Christian, the book appeals to those beyond a religious audience. I highly recommend this.
(On a sidenote: I know that the two families are devout Christians, and though I know it is none of my business, I am wondering if they are all profiting from the book and media attention? As a Christian, I can't imagine profiting from such a tragedy, unless to cover medical care. Nonetheless, it's still a great read.)
Even questions that most people have asked about this story since it broke: "TWO families didn't know the identity of their own daughters?!" and "One girl had a belly-button ring and the other had a different eye color; they didn't even look alike. How could this have happened?" and "Was the Van Ryn family in denial about the true identity of the girl they were taking care, even after the hints Cerak gave, because they didn't want to face the knowledge their own daughter had died?" are mostly answered in this book. Some of the answers given by both families seem a bit naive at times, but ultimately come off as believable.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, true story. While God is mentioned and both families are Christian, the book appeals to those beyond a religious audience. I highly recommend this.
(On a sidenote: I know that the two families are devout Christians, and though I know it is none of my business, I am wondering if they are all profiting from the book and media attention? As a Christian, I can't imagine profiting from such a tragedy, unless to cover medical care. Nonetheless, it's still a great read.)
Tara T. (tarataylor) - , reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 107 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
WOW! This book was amazing! I remember following this story as it was happening and was appalled by the turn of events in these two families lives. This book is a must read. The reader really gets to know these two families and the horrific experiences that they lived through. Highly recommended.
Connie S. (gamaw) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 99 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was an interesting story and rather scary when you think about it. That being said, I found it to be rather confusing,trying to keep track of who was who.
Cammie O. (cammie1975) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I could not put this one down. It is a heartbreaking story with a beautiful message about God's ability to bring you through the rain
Helpful Score: 1
Learning about the girls' lives and how they touched people around them was amazing. Both families experienced so much heartache, but the Lord used the situation to bring people to Him. What an amazing blessing!
Kim W. (Imten7) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very moving story. These families were brought together by a bond of love.
Connie K. (conniecon) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating story and well told. I loved this book. I remember well when it happened and it was shocking, but what made this such a gripping story to read was learning about the encompassing story of love for God that was already a part of both families lives and truely carried them through the tragedy of the accident and the losses and struggles afterward.
Eva Marie L. (babyjulie) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is the unbelievable story of two young women who were "mixed up" after a van accident on the way back to college after a college activity. Both familes are devout Christians and I was a little nervous that the religious aspect of the book would be over bearing for me. I have my own religious beliefs and don't like anyone pushing theirs on me. This didn't do that at all. I would have prefered slightly less talk about God myself but it still didn't take away from the book for me.
I would recommend to anyone who likes touching non-fiction.
I would recommend to anyone who likes touching non-fiction.
Elizabeth I. reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 11 more book reviews
Was an amazing story of love, faith and strength, a real tear jerker.
Lea L. reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent book. A fast read... It's a true story so it grabs you right away. It's a very God honoring, Gospel centered book. I loved it!! I am sad for the families who lost loved ones..
Sharon C. (sierrastar) -
This was a good read and have tissues ready when you start to read it because I cried all the way thru. It was both a happy and a sad book for both families involved
Very intense story. The book pushed religious views too much for my liking. Also the story could have been summarized in shorter version. Seemed to go on forever. I was not impressed with the way the book read, but the story itself is overwhelming.
Sherri P. (pietilagirly25) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on
I loved this book. What a faith building story. Many people I talked to thought the book would be depressing but it wasn't at all. It showed faith in Chirst even at the worst of times.
Ella S. (sls) -
Excellant book based on a true story. A great Christian Read.
great book. They are all amazing people who relied on ther faith to get them thrugh this ordeal
Terri T. (eskmom) -
Outstanding. A touching story. A true testament of faith and spirit. I could not stop reading it, even though it was way past my "bedtime," and finished it in one day.
Kathryn S. (michigankate) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on
Only read this book if you are ready to cry buckets! I started reading (and crying over) this book while still in Borders. I bought it because I had to finish it.
I loved this book because most of all, it offered hope. These two families have been through an unspeakable tragedy with their faith intact and strengthened. It puts trials of all sizes in perspective "if they can go through this, then I know that by God's grace I can make it through ______"
I loved this book because most of all, it offered hope. These two families have been through an unspeakable tragedy with their faith intact and strengthened. It puts trials of all sizes in perspective "if they can go through this, then I know that by God's grace I can make it through ______"
Donna T. (realtrgrl3) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 77 more book reviews
Very compelling TRUE story of 2 young women getting unbelievably mixed up in a tragic accident. One lives, one dies, one set of parents think their daughter lived only to find out she isn't who they think she is.
The story line is very fascinating. Heartbreaking story. Very religous core.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 5322 more book reviews
A very emotional and inspiring read, although there were times I was sidetracked by the religious references. I understand that both families used their faith to get them through this devastating time, but I didn't realize that was going to be the basis of the story when I started.
That said, though, this is a really good story. I recommend reading it along with Jacquelyn Mitchard's ALL WE KNOW OF HEAVEN, which, although not drawn specifically from this story, shares several similarities and is a wonderful book.
That said, though, this is a really good story. I recommend reading it along with Jacquelyn Mitchard's ALL WE KNOW OF HEAVEN, which, although not drawn specifically from this story, shares several similarities and is a wonderful book.
Jessica D. (MTGirlAtHeart) -
It's amazing what these two families went through. Yet they never lost their faith in God and have chosen to share their stories. I highly recommend it; just be sure to have a box of tissues ready!
Deanna W. (flutterbella13) -
A powerful story of two families, and their faith in God that pulled them through the tragedy. A very quick read, but very worth reading, whether you like to read true stories, or just like to see how God works through the lives of others, and pulls us through our problems and tragedies.
Sandi K W. (Sandiinmississippi) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 265 more book reviews
A strong Christian testimony by two families which had their children mixed up during a car accident. This story was twisted some in the news when it happened - but this is a thorough exploration of how these people found the strength to deal with first thinking their daughter survived, then discovering she was a fatality in the accident (and vice versa).
I see some reviews which take exception with the Christian beliefs of each family forming a large part of the book. One even said they were hoping to 'know more about the family instead of just religious stuff' - well I think the book tells us that is specifically what the families were about. Personal beliefs about God and religion fall in a wide range from heartfelt, to somewhere in the general middle, to somewhat shallow, to questioning, to nonexistent. As I read I heard these family members telling their readers how their faith bolstered their ability to accept and cope with this awful situation. May not be everyone's choice on how to handle death, injury, and shock, but it was theirs. Naturally that is what they have to write about.
I see some reviews which take exception with the Christian beliefs of each family forming a large part of the book. One even said they were hoping to 'know more about the family instead of just religious stuff' - well I think the book tells us that is specifically what the families were about. Personal beliefs about God and religion fall in a wide range from heartfelt, to somewhere in the general middle, to somewhat shallow, to questioning, to nonexistent. As I read I heard these family members telling their readers how their faith bolstered their ability to accept and cope with this awful situation. May not be everyone's choice on how to handle death, injury, and shock, but it was theirs. Naturally that is what they have to write about.
Carol S. (nudedudes) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 14 more book reviews
A good interesting story, but too God-intense for my taste.
Rachel B. (travnray) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 182 more book reviews
Heart wrenching. Unbelievable that this could happen today. Good one to read and pass on.
Hannah C. (landonsmama) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 51 more book reviews
It's an interesting and sad story, but I just keep with it. It bored me.
Traci B. (motoxmom5222) reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 12 more book reviews
Amazing Story!!!
Sleepy26177 reviewed Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope on + 218 more book reviews
In April 2006 the Cerak family got note that their daughter Whitney was killed in a terrible car accident.
Meanwhile in the hospital the only survivor, Laura Van Ryn, has to recover from her injuries and a damage to the brain.
While the family Cerak took care of Whitney's burial and learnt how to live without their daughter, the Van Ryn family didn't leave Laura's bedside and watched over her slow recovery.
It takes five weeks for Whitney to voice that the Van Ryns' are not their parents.
The Cerak family learns that their daughter is alive and the Van Ryn family has to learn that their daughter died five weeks ago.
-
Maybe I am the exception but I thought the book was terrible and found myself skipping whole chapters, especially those where again and again the talk was about God. For someone who does not consider herself a Christian the whole Bla is difficult to stand, too much bore and alienating. I skipped almost all of the printed blog entries about the praising overdose.
I wanted to learn about the families, not God. About emotions and the difficulties they were going through. Instead I found their life wrapped in a bubble about God. It certainly would have been nice to have known that up front. I wouldn't have read the book then.
Of course what the families went through is terrible and saddening, there is no doubt in that but a more down to earth perspective would have helped the whole story.
In the end I should have known because just a few months and way before the paperback was released the book lay on B&N bargain table for a few bucks.
Meanwhile in the hospital the only survivor, Laura Van Ryn, has to recover from her injuries and a damage to the brain.
While the family Cerak took care of Whitney's burial and learnt how to live without their daughter, the Van Ryn family didn't leave Laura's bedside and watched over her slow recovery.
It takes five weeks for Whitney to voice that the Van Ryns' are not their parents.
The Cerak family learns that their daughter is alive and the Van Ryn family has to learn that their daughter died five weeks ago.
-
Maybe I am the exception but I thought the book was terrible and found myself skipping whole chapters, especially those where again and again the talk was about God. For someone who does not consider herself a Christian the whole Bla is difficult to stand, too much bore and alienating. I skipped almost all of the printed blog entries about the praising overdose.
I wanted to learn about the families, not God. About emotions and the difficulties they were going through. Instead I found their life wrapped in a bubble about God. It certainly would have been nice to have known that up front. I wouldn't have read the book then.
Of course what the families went through is terrible and saddening, there is no doubt in that but a more down to earth perspective would have helped the whole story.
In the end I should have known because just a few months and way before the paperback was released the book lay on B&N bargain table for a few bucks.
