You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
abookdoctor 's review for:
I Don't Want to Die Poor: Essays
by Michael Arceneaux
Arceneaux’s 2nd collection of essays is an exploration into the stronghold student loan debt has on all of us. In this economy and these pandemic times, nobody has time for student debt. I appreciated how candid Arceneaux about his struggles with debt and perceptions he faces after the success of his first book. He’s a regular person navigating looming debt and the shame associated with living paycheck to paycheck.
While some of these essays veer into hilarious tangents sometimes, this was a good read. The overall message though is a good one. “There is a shame that comes with not having enough money. We still live in a culture that demonizes people for not having money, like there’s something wrong with them. I have carried so much shame with me for so long. I have never wanted to talk about it.”
Yes, shame is real. Especially when you’ve spent your entire life going to school to “make it.” Arceneaux leaves us with this though.
“Learn to forgive yourself. You graduated with debt and that had you stepping out into the world without a clean slate. That plus the influences around you may now have caused you to think less of yourself.”
While some of these essays veer into hilarious tangents sometimes, this was a good read. The overall message though is a good one. “There is a shame that comes with not having enough money. We still live in a culture that demonizes people for not having money, like there’s something wrong with them. I have carried so much shame with me for so long. I have never wanted to talk about it.”
Yes, shame is real. Especially when you’ve spent your entire life going to school to “make it.” Arceneaux leaves us with this though.
“Learn to forgive yourself. You graduated with debt and that had you stepping out into the world without a clean slate. That plus the influences around you may now have caused you to think less of yourself.”