Mistaken Identity - the Ceraks and Van Ryns

This book is a moving and powerfully written story of two young college students, who were in a terrible car accident along with five other students. Six were killed, and attention focused on the one survivor: Laura Van Ryn. But after weeks of therapy with the Van Ryn family, a startling conclusion was made: this was not Laura, but Whitney Cerak, another student in the van.

This is a true story. The two girls were actually mistaken for one another in the recovery process. Eventually, about halfway through the book, the mistake is realized, and the grieving Ceraks suddenly rush to the hospital to be reunited with their daughter, Whitney.

Throughout the book, I was impressed with the amazing faith that both families show. Despite losing their daughter that they thought was alive, the Van Ryn’s still praise God through it all because of how many lives have been touched through it. And imagine the elation of the Cerak family to find their daughter is alive.

I can only try to put myself in Whitney’s shoes: going through a life-threatening accident that lands her in the hospital for months. She can’t even pull comfort from having her family with her, but is surrounded by total strangers. With brain damage, how confusing would that be? Thoughts of my family abandoning me would certainly be going through my head.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is the story of two families, who despite a strange turn of circumstances, remain faithful to God, praising Him, and come out stronger as a result of it. If you get the chance, Mistaken Identity is a great read that will benefit you.