Hug Me is a compilation of twenty short stories, that explore island life and the issues that plague and shape the existence of the people there.  Within each story, the author navigates his way with skillful precision into the minds of his characters and eases himself into their encounters and experiences with a depth and candor that forces you to see the authenticity of the characters and credibility of each story. The themes are difficult to face but they are real and recognizable. Life in small communities, where a hug is a rare thing, can be hard. The pain of death, illness and migration, the struggles of love and the lack of it, abuse in all its forms whether physical, emotional, sexual or psychological although shown from an island perspective are all universal concerns as are societal ills such as murder, poverty and drug abuse. The author exposes them all in this fascinating, impassioned and challenging masterpiece