This sweet and tender story about life-yes, life-in a hospice is told with gentle good humor and eye for the significant humanity in every human being. Author Edward Bear's now-sober narrator is ordered to do community service at the Hospice of St. Michael where he's put in charge of the cocktail cart and becomes the late afternoon drink dispenser for the patients there. With his great ear for dialogue, Bear draws out the meanings of the individual lives that his narrator now shares. This is a book that makes you laugh, brings a tear to your eye, and makes you think all at the same time. A wonderful read for all.