A Critical Human Error: When Paternity Is Not a Choice

by Barbara Glasier

Sixty-one-year-old Meredith Taylor answers her door to find a worried-looking little girl, who announces, “I’ve come to stay with you for a while… I’m your granddaughter.” From this unexpected and jaw-dropping event, Meredith and her husband Andy are thrown into an emotional storm. But the turmoil that this little stranger’s appearance causes for them pales by comparison to what their unsuspecting son, Aaron, endures. What happens next is a series of revelations and shocking discoveries about Sam's conception and her mother's manipulation, not just of Aaron but of his whole family. Somehow though, in the midst of the rising pressure and the dizzying complications, six-year-old Sam manages to win Meredith and Andy’s hearts, even as they watch their own beloved son falling apart emotionally. Part-mystery thriller, part-affecting romance, and part-testament to the power of family love. A Critical Human Error is a book for grownups, who will relate to these complex people and the white-hot emotional conflicts they face.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2020

About the author

Barbara Glasier has a Degree in Nursing and has worked in many avenues including hospital and emergency room nursing, public health, community care, and administration. During her career, she has encountered multitudes of family crisis situations and the fallout from many of today's societal issues. Though she has done a great deal of professional writing as a nurse educator, "A Critical Human Error" is the her first novel. Barbara is a mother and grandmother. She lives with her husband in Lacombe, Alberta

Reviews

[Wanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately for the reader, the writing in this self-published book is poor and the characters, uninteresting.

[Carol Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barb has done an excellent job of creating a moral dilemma that affects several different people in different ways. Throughout the novel, each character works through this dilemma on his/her own time and his/her own way.

Barb does an excellent job of describing nature. I highlight two trips that Sam took: the first described the view from the back seat of a car as she was travelling from Northern BC to Northern Alberta. The second example is the view she gets sitting in the back of a boat.

Given the current COVID 19 situation, I found it timely that Same learned her to properly wash her hands using "The Happy Birthday" song.

Barb is well acquainted with the social and legal process that occurs when children's biological parents are unavailable to care of him/her

Barb puts her professional perspective on what a person at end of life might see in her immediate environment. She also adds a spiritual component to the story.

Barb gives an excellent description of life in The Peace Country. I was particularly interested in the trips Sam and her grandparents made from Dawson Creek, BC to Calgary, Alberta. As I too, lived in the area, I remember the road trips well, and I remember how we too, watched the winter weather.

This is Barb's first novel, and I think she has done a "bang up" job on this book. The story is easy to read and my interest was piqued until I finished the last page. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Good job, and I look forward to reading more of your material.

[Barbara Glasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am surprised by the email I just received from Goodreads indicating I can post one review of my own book. I would like to say the following:
I wrote "A Critical Human Error" following a dream that I had. Once I started writing, the story began to develop quickly and I felt driven to keep writing. There has been so much in the news lately about sexual abuse of women, I wanted to tell the other side of the story, young male date rape by a woman in a position of power and trust. And there is so much written about dysfunctional people and families, I wanted to present a well-functioning supportive family in the midst of crisis after crisis as they come to grips with their new reality. "A Critical Human Error" is a heartwarming story that will tear at your heartstrings and restore your faith in human nature. My target audience is all adults but, in particular, parents and grandparents, as it demonstrates their lifelong relevance in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
I gave myself 5 stars because I personally love this story and, more importantly, because of the amazing positivity I am receiving from my readers. A humungous thanks to all of you!
The sequel is yet to come! Smiles, Barbara😊

[Fred Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all parents and grandparents this book’s cover is an irresistible magnet that invites a further look. Once inside the reader will not be disappointed. The author skillfully develops a delightful character of a child that is bound to get “under the skin” of even the most callous of readers. Other characters well done are Meredith and Andy as they cope with unexpected problems throughout the story.
By way a criticism, I find myself wishing one character, Arron, would “man up” a little sooner. While it is true he was used abusively, I think invoking PTSD lacks credulity to this otherwise wonderful story.
The complications underpinning this book obviously uses the faculties and experience of the author’s lifetime profession. It promises page after page to hold your interest until the very end. Read it; you will cry a little, laugh a little and love it a lot.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Critical Human Error is a delightful, refreshing novel from a new Western Canadian Author. A serious and unusual crisis — the arrival of an unknown six year old girl at the door of a couple in their sixties, tests the core of their family’s strength and cohesion.
As well as the turmoil and distress this unexpected event causes the extended family, the characters' struggles to come to terms with it bring forth a great depth of caring and compassion. In a richly detailed portrait of the day to day decisions and actions of the older couple, the author gently demonstrates the power of their emotional strength and coping abilities.
The deep well of kindness and love shown to this little child, and to one another, pay tribute to a committed, well-functioning contemporary family.
This insightful novel is a most welcome antidote to the world’s unending troubles.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be not only fast paced but educational. Barbara's excellent writing combined with her medical background and story telling skills make this book hard to put down.

As a grandparent, I was also sensitive to the situation Meredith and Andy found themselves.

This book about male date rape points to a little known social situation, but one that everyone young and old should be aware of.

This was a selection for my book club and we all agree that we are hoping for a sequel.

I don't think we have heard the last from this talented author.

[Harvey Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it exciting and had difficulty putting it down. The characters were carefully and skillfully developed. The author’s insights into human behavior enhanced the breadth and depth of the characters. The author’s wealth of experience in a long diverse nursing career is integrated in ways that are very additive. I spent the first part of my career working in Child Welfare and found this section rang true. Writing this book required a tremendous amount of time, tenacity and dedication.

[Linda Lindeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book held my attention from the first page. The characters are believable and the relationships between the characters are nicely described. The plot twists are unexpected and very interesting. The human dramas are considerable and relate to important issues (rape, child abandonment, parenting, anxiety issues, etc). It was refreshing to read a book set in Alberta and the locations came to life as the author described the movement of characters from place to place. I look forward to a sequel!

[Sharon Evashkevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a lovely writing style that is easy to read and a knack for story development that encouraged me to keep reading on. Her character development is precise and vivid, with emotional components that strike straight to the heart, stirring a conflict of emotions at times, for me. The story line is unique and complex, with unexpected surprises along the way. It captured my interest with the opening paragraph and held my curiosity to the end. A delightful and thought provoking read.
Congratulations, my lifelong friend, for a job well done!
Sharon

[Maria Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! The characters are so real. The emotions palpable. Six year old Sam steals your heart from the moment she appears on the doorstep of Meredith and Andy Taylor announcing she is their granddaughter. An emotional roller coaster follows when the unsuspecting Aaron Taylor, Meredith and Andy’s son, is made aware he has a daughter. He struggles to accept the fact that he was unknowingly manipulated and violated years before by this sweet, innocent child’s mother; however, the power of love, understanding, and forgiveness triumphs. I had to wipe tears away on more than one occasion. It would be such a great book club choice. Includes discussion questions.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very true to the human condition and reminds us that even with our lives in order, things can happen to change the direction of our lives. Thank you, Barb, for walking us through how a family with tried and true healthy coping strategies, can use community and family resources to deal with a complex situation that sometimes seems out of control. The emotional turmoil for this family is evident throughout.

[Martha Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is about a little girl as she finds her way into the hearts of a father and grandparents who didn't know she existed.

A thought provoking and heart warming story. Very well written. Couldn't set this book down till I had it finished. I've recommended it to all my friends and family as a 'must read'. Can't wait for a sequel.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching story of family and how love is so powerful. Barb brings family complexities to life all while highlighting the power of love, acceptance and resiliency. In today's world, with all the negativity that surrounds us, this book is an excellent way to escape from it all and come out feeling a little more hopeful. Thank you for providing that pause Barb!

[Jeanette Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed your book......entertaining, thought provoking and insightful! Meredith is truly a role model for how to respond to a life changing event in a compassionate and uplifting manner!

Keep writing....I’ll want a copy of your next book!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pretty much finished this book in 2 sittings. A situation of paternity I had not realized could happen. And all the emotional upheavals it caused.
And it’s set in an area I know, which helps with the places talked about.

[Charissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are the reviewers real people? 🫣

The writing style is unrealistic, no one speaks this way. The editing is terrible, there are misspelled words and improperly used quotation marks.

I really struggled to finish and ended up skimming just to feel like I knew the ending.

[Karen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this book down! An incredible story of a mother's love, and the places it will go.

[Jane Dimitroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is brilliantly written and contains many twists and turns which keep the reader involved in the story. Its interesting plot and exquisite characterization make this story a standout.