NPR's short interview with Michael Arceneaux this morning focused on his new book I Don't Want to Die Poor. With millions of Americans out of work due to COVID-19, money is on everyone's minds. Michael Arceneaux's new book of essays is equal parts hysterical and heartbreaking, explaining how debilitating debt is the quintessential American experience. Arceneux writes about his own experience being a gay, black man in debt in America-- which he affectionally refers to as the 'United States of Wage Stagnation and Economic Inequality.' His essays are about how debt has affected all aspects of his life-- from dating to family to careers. As we're all forced to look at our lives and make hard decisions, Arceneaux's essays remind us that we're really not alone. Debt is a difficult and shameful topic, but his humor and embrace of it-- especially in these economic times-- empowers everyone.