To get through college, D.S. Bradley worked as a lifeguard, counted out money as a bank teller, answered the phone at a law firm, sold eye glasses, and sealed and striped parking lots. Since graduating from college, he's taught middle school and high school English, directed a college writing program, and taught college English and writing courses. The experiences, though, that most prepared him for life were the ones he had working as a funeral director.

In this collection of short stories inspired from both life and death, Bradley shares everything from the ridiculous to...