Meet Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerak
one buried under the wrong name, one in a coma and being cared for by the wrong family. This shocking case of mistaken identity stunned the country and made national news. Would it destroy a family? Shatter their faith? Push two families into bitterness, resentment, and guilt? Read this unprecedented story of two traumatized families who describe their ordeal and explore the bond sustaining and uniting them as they deal with their bizarre reversal of life lost and life found. And join Whitney Cerak, the sole surviving student, as she comes to terms with her new identity, forever altered, yet on the brink of new beginnings. "Mistaken Identity" weaves a complex tale of honesty, vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and love in the face of one of the strangest twists of circumstances imaginable.
In the Media
| Amazon.com | Read Reviews or Purchase the Book |
| The Today Show | Read the story and watch video of the two families's appearance on the Today Show |
| Detroit Free Press | Detroit Free Press article |
| The Chronicle-Tribune | News story with interview by author Mark Tabb |
| The Grand Rapids Press | A story/review about the book done by The Grand Rapids Press |
| See it featured on Oprah Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Check local listings for channel and time here | |
What Others are Saying
"I couldn't put this book down. It was such a compelling read that I kept turning page after page wanting to know what came next...eventhough I already knew how it ended. It is beautifully written, almost like reading a fiction book, and yet, of course, frightenly real. It is tragic that this actually happened, but I'm thankful to each family that they have chosen to tell their story. To share with us the grace and mercy, and abundant love that these two families have for one another. They have been a wonderful example of how we, too, can love and forgive, and have compassion towards one another when life doesn't play out how we would like. This book makes me want to live a deeper faith-filled life and always love and have faith...no matter what!" --User review from Amazon.com
"This is a well written book that accurately recounts the tragic and miraculous story of Whitney Cerak and Laura Van Ryn. As a member of the church where the Ceraks minister I know the heart and strength of the Cerak family. This book is riveting and ultimately shows us that God works in wonderful and sometimes unpredictable way to bring people to Him. The Cerak's and Van Ryn's are strong and Godly families who were chosen for the ultimate purpose of winning the lost to God's saving grace. This book is inspirational and a reminder to us all to place our priorities on the Eternal." --User review from Amazon.com
