Review: Mistaken Identity by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak

My good friend Jill recommended I read Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak.

Everyone remembers the story - a horrific crash where 5 students and staff from Taylor University were killed and one woman survives. And then 5 weeks later, it was found out that the woman everyone thought had survived was a different woman. The family that thought they were taking care of their daughter and sister found out that their daughter and sister was actually already buried under someone else's name. And the family who thought they had buried their loved one found out that she was still alive. What an amazing story, right?

The amazing story is not the mistaken identity but the faith both of these families have throughout this ordeal. Each family looked to God for strength and the ability to get through the next 'thing'. I can't really explain how much their faith affected me. It's not remarkable in that it's unreal. In fact, it felt very real. Maybe it was knowing the 'outcome' as I read through their grief, their worries, the love they felt and the need to praise God even through their pain.

This book is not what I would call a 'gawker' story. It's not sensationalized. It's a book that tells the story of a terrible tragedy. It tells of two families, their amazing connection, and two beautiful young ladies who were loved and loved God.

Please read this book. You won't be disappointed.