From the New York Times bestselling author of I Can&’t Date Jesus, which Vogue called &“a piece of personal and cultural storytelling that is as fun as it is illuminating,&” comes a wry and insightful essay collection that explores the financial and emotional cost of chasing your dreams. Ever since Oprah Winfrey told the 2007 graduating class of Howard University, &“Don&’t be afraid,&” Michael Arceneaux has been scared to death. You should never do the opposite of what Oprah instructs you to do, but when you don&’t have her pocket change, how can you not be terrified of the consequences of pursuing your dreams? Michael has never shied away from discussing his struggles with debt, but in I Don&’t Want to Die Poor, he reveals the extent to which it has an impact on every facet of his life—how he dates; how he seeks medical care (or in some cases, is unable to); how he wrestles with the question of whether or not he should have chosen a more financially secure path; and finally, how he has dealt with his &“dream&” turning into an ongoing nightmare as he realizes one bad decision could unravel all that he&’s earned. You know, actual &“economic anxiety.&” I Don&’t Want to Die Poor is an unforgettable and relatable examination about what it&’s like leading a life that often feels out of your control. But in Michael&’s voice that&’s &“as joyful as he is shrewd&” (BuzzFeed), these razor-sharp essays will still manage to make you laugh and remind you that you&’re not alone in this often intimidating journey.
