Official Review: Armless Hugs by Jim Meehan

[MsH2k]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Armless Hugs" by Jim Meehan.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you have ever been unable to embrace someone you love because you are physically or emotionally separated by illness, a job, or other circumstances, the title of this book would surely capture your attention. Jim Meehan penned the titular poem over twenty years ago to articulate how it felt when he would return home late at night after one of his many business trips and find his wife and daughter already asleep. His emotions would be conflicted—he longed to embrace them but did not want to disturb their rest. With separation so prevalent during the current pandemic, Meehan has published this poem and others in a collection entitled Armless Hugs.

This compilation of fifty-eight poems is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on relationships, while the second part addresses life in general. The compositions are short and use unobtrusive alternate and couplet rhyme schemes. I do not read poetry often, but I appreciate this genre because of the stylistic freedom and the artists’ ability to communicate so much in so few words.

The offerings in part one include sage advice for parents in “Teenagers Are Tops” and an interesting take on a life-giving transfusion in “Love Donors.” Part two contains musings about topics such as what matters most in “Priceless Values” and defining humility in “More or Less.”

Besides being a poet, Meehan is a positive psychologist and a scientist, and I enjoyed the times when his areas of expertise intersected. An example is “Now or Never,” where the author contemplates the duration of “now.” This poem made me think about the universality of “now.” It doesn’t matter what time it is halfway around the world; at any given moment, it is “now” here and there. Then the scientist continues and literally brings the reader back to Earth with this mind-bending line: “When we look at the stars we are looking at the past.”

My favorite poem is “Picture a World.” Inspired by the work of Meehan’s psychological mentor, Dr. William E. Hall, it painted the picture of a world where every man, woman, and child was fully engaged, doing the “good things they were good at.” They knew their skills and strengths and were using them and strengthening them for the benefit of the world and themselves. It took my breath away to imagine such a place. He described the look in their eyes—the sheer delight of doing what they love. That would be paradise! The song “Imagine” by the Beatles describes a peaceful world without boundaries, but this poem takes that peaceful world to another level.

Interestingly, my least favorite poem in the book is the one about the aforementioned Dr. Hall: “A Most Remarkable Man.” It described Dr. Hall’s work in identifying talent and helping people achieve their highest potential. It was an interesting topic, but it did not flow well. I was inclined to read it as prose, but having it break into lines and stanzas kept interrupting the thought. It felt forced and out of place.

In deciding my rating, I initially considered factors such as the number of poems I liked and how the writing flowed. In the end, I kept only one metric: how the poems affected me. Can you put a number on inspiration? I guess I just did. I rate Armless Hugs 4 out of 4 stars. Allowing for poetic license, I found only two minor grammatical errors in the collection. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking inspiration. The poems are short and simple but deep in meaning. There is neither profanity nor erotic content in this compilation; it is appropriate for all ages, but adults will relate best to the topics.

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Armless Hugs
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[namuyong]

I love your review on this poetry book. The poems in this book seem like they are very touching and filled with emotion

[Huini Hellen]

The poetry in the title is so creative. I also find the subject of love really relatable for me. Thank you for the review.

[MsH2k]

I love your review on this poetry book. The poems in this book seem like they are very touching and filled with emotion

The poems reflect the author’s love and respect for humankind. They really were were touching.
Thank you for your comment.

[MsH2k]

The poetry in the title is so creative. I also find the subject of love really relatable for me. Thank you for the review.

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your visit.

[Tonze]

Wow! This book attracted my attention. The title is very attractive "armless hugs" , I am touched because I live in situation almost similar I and my husband we have a long distance relationship due to the nature of our work and everyday we are obliged to pass by videos calls, sometimes we wish to be together when it's so cold but it can't be possible! I think this book can help, I have definitely to read it. Thanks for your insightful review! Congratulations to the author

[MsH2k]

Wow! This book attracted my attention. The title is very attractive "armless hugs" , I am touched because I live in situation almost similar I and my husband we have a long distance relationship due to the nature of our work and everyday we are obliged to pass by videos calls, sometimes we wish to be together when it's so cold but it can't be possible! I think this book can help, I have definitely to read it. Thanks for your insightful review! Congratulations to the author

I hope you enjoy the author’s take on your shared predicament. Thank you for your comment!

[Saint Bruno]

Though I am not into poetry, I find the themes featured in this book to be very touching. In my experience, something always tries to be a barrier to love. Nevertheless, thanks for the great review and recommendation.

[MsH2k]

In my experience, something always tries to be a barrier to love.

That’s an interesting observation. I would agree. I won’t wax philosophical, but I think it’s because love is so powerful.

Thanks for your visit and your comment.

[Alice Heritage]

The publication of this collection is very timely as we get used to connecting without physical contact for the foreseeable future. This sounds like an inspirational read. I enjoyed your clearly written review!

[MsH2k]

The publication of this collection is very timely as we get used to connecting without physical contact for the foreseeable future. This sounds like an inspirational read. I enjoyed your clearly written review!

It is timely indeed. I was amazed that the author wrote the titular poem at a totally different time for a different reason, yet the sentiment is so appropriate now.

Thank you for stopping by, ButterscotchCherrie! I appreciate your comment.

[jokinyo]

The title itself is eye catching, just immediately enters the world of imagination, how can one hug with no arms? Interesting.

[MsH2k]

The title itself is eye catching, just immediately enters the world of imagination, how can one hug with no arms? Interesting.

The title does engage one’s imagination! It’s a clever way to describe the situation. I hope you decide to check out these poems. They are quite thought provoking.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

[Mae Barberan]

The title has caught my attention. Made me miss someone I love right now.

[MsH2k]

The title has caught my attention. Made me miss someone I love right now.

It is a captivating title—it had the same affect on me. Thank you for commenting.