Friday, January 26, 2018

Book Review - Mistaken Identity (by Van Ryn & Cerak)

Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope

By: Don Van Ryn, Susie Van Ryn, Newell Cerak, Colleen Cerak

Howard Books 2008

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Not only is this an extraordinary true story, but it also is a huge Christian witness to all who read it. Both families and their children are devoted Christ followers and they exemplify what it is to have faith in Jesus Christ in all circumstances of life.

The parents and family of the two college-age girls involved in this unfortunate identity mix-up, tell the story from their perspectives. The car accident was tragedy enough, but then the mistaken identities and the following weeks of hospitals, funerals and grief are unfathomable.

The reader will go on this roller-coaster ride with the families and through it all you will be amazed and inspired.

Book Review - The Book of Mysteries

The Book of Mysteries
By Jonathan Cahn
Frontline 2016

Reviewed by Diane Busch

At first glance, The Book of Mysteries” is daunting due to its size. It’s almost like an encyclopedia of Hebrew facts, history, customs, symbolism, etc. It contains explanations for a plethora of things written in the Bible, which open up your mind and heart to new and fabulous understanding and awareness. The author's explanations of the Hebrew traditions and the true meaning of words and customs, etc. add so much to what we can only partly understand when we read the Bible in English, having grown up in our American culture. It's amazing how much more the Bible comes alive when you have greater understanding of the symbolism, the history, and the culture. To a Jewish reader, it is also very convincing that Jesus is the Messiah.

Don’t be put off because of its size. “The Book of Mysteries” can be read as a daily devotional, reading just one of the 365 entries or mysteries each day for a year. It can also be read as any book, although I suggest taking it somewhat slow to be able to digest all the information. I also suggest marking ot taking note of a few of the revelations that are especially meaningful to you, because you won’t be able to absorb and remember everything.