You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
87 reviews for:
Mistaken Identity
Susie Van Ryn, Colleen Cerak, Newell Cerak, Whitney Cerak, Mark A. Tabb, Don Van Ryn
3.79 AVERAGE
87 reviews for:
Mistaken Identity
Susie Van Ryn, Colleen Cerak, Newell Cerak, Whitney Cerak, Mark A. Tabb, Don Van Ryn
3.79 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book despite all the religious talk. I accept that for these families and the particular context of the university religion is deeply important. However, that is not why I picked up the book. Nor why I liked it. In fact, the writing is uneven in places and the dialogue stilted (seriously reads as if a 10-year-old wrote some of it). Again - despite this, the story is extremely compelling. How the families and the professionals overlooked the differences in the two girls was fascinating and intriguing, particularly since the accident was not all that long ago. I also appreciated how the families came together and became friends through this horrible tragedy and the heartache that they feel. Although the accident was a terrible event, clearly these families have forged something positive through it. For me, that was more interesting than all the god talk.
Quick read, though difficult at first to keep all of the people involved straight (i.e. who belongs to which family, etc.). Very moving narrative detailing how two Christian families dealt with trials and grief including the unimaginable circumstances surrounding Whitney being mistaken for Laura. It was heartwarming to see how not only the Taylor University community came together, but also the families and neighborhoods. The main theme throughout was "God is still good" - much time was spent in prayer, scripture study, and praising God through music. Inspiring to read about people more interested in growing closer to God and their families through tragedy than in suing or placing blame.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
emotional
tense
3.5 ⭐️ I felt like it was pretty drawn out, especially when you pretty much know the story before you begin reading. I appreciate how both families shared their faith in boldness!
This is a crazy story! The writing is totally mediocre, but the plots really ticks along. Definitely a quick read, because you keep turning pages to find out how the heck this kind of thing could have happened. The super-heavy Christian overtones kind of turned me off. It came off as kind of preachy, and all I wanted was to find out what happened with these two girls; I didn't want to read a sales pitch for Christianity. Not highly recommended, but good for people who like non-fiction that reads like fast-paced fiction.
The story itself is fascinating - I remember it from the news when it happened, and as soon as I saw there was a book about it, I knew I had to read about it from the families' views.
But, but, but. Ugh. I would have LOVED the book if it hadn't been so preachy. I'm a religious person, but I don't believe in the same way that they do. And that was like 3/4 of the book...
I can understand that they used prayer and their faith as the way to deal...my son was in the hospital and I did too. But it was just SO over the top in this - EVERYTHING is about God. It was just annoying after a little while - I found myself skimming until I read an actual FACT or part of the real story instead of all the fluff religious parts. And in parts, the conversation seemed altered...like people don't really talk that way in a normal situation - in some places it just struck me as odd.
Still, the underlying story was good...I felt for the families and what they went through, and I did cry several times. I just wish it would have been more about what actually happened.
But, but, but. Ugh. I would have LOVED the book if it hadn't been so preachy. I'm a religious person, but I don't believe in the same way that they do. And that was like 3/4 of the book...
I can understand that they used prayer and their faith as the way to deal...my son was in the hospital and I did too. But it was just SO over the top in this - EVERYTHING is about God. It was just annoying after a little while - I found myself skimming until I read an actual FACT or part of the real story instead of all the fluff religious parts. And in parts, the conversation seemed altered...like people don't really talk that way in a normal situation - in some places it just struck me as odd.
Still, the underlying story was good...I felt for the families and what they went through, and I did cry several times. I just wish it would have been more about what actually happened.
Second time through this book, third time through the story. Still in awe of the power of God.
This was by far one of the best books I have read in years! It made me cry and broke my heart but also inspired me to see how people can overcome things that seem to be so tragic. These two families were so incredibly brave and had to endure something that no one should have to endure. My heart ached with each new chapter and I found myself moved to tears over and over. This is an absolute must read story for everyone!
When I review a book I mention my thoughts on the writing style, plot and character growth. With this being a true story I feel wrong to discuss those.
I loved that this book mentions specific Bible verses/passages that helped them through these tough times. However, I disliked the prayer journal entries. Prayer is a vulnerable part of your Faith and I felt like I was invading their privacy when reading it.
Seeing these families come together as one unit instead of holding grudges was the best part of the book.
This book tells the story of a tragedy, but it also shows that you're never alone.
I loved that this book mentions specific Bible verses/passages that helped them through these tough times. However, I disliked the prayer journal entries. Prayer is a vulnerable part of your Faith and I felt like I was invading their privacy when reading it.
Seeing these families come together as one unit instead of holding grudges was the best part of the book.
This book tells the story of a tragedy, but it also shows that you're never alone.