Arceneaux is both witty and insightful in the way he uses humor and cultural critique to present his worldview. In this third installment of essays, Arceneaux takes the reader through seasons 1-3 of the COVID 19 pandemic in all of emotions: guilt, fear, despair, and isolation. What this collection of essays does well is connect with readers on a level they can understand. You feel like you’re having a casual chat with a friend who has had some challenges, but is doing the best they can. What the book misses is a cohesion in some of the chapters with transitions from topic to topic, substance that creates a through line across the book. The essays, while meant to be snapshots, feel like super stand alone think pieces strung together. How does DMJ connect to the chapter on Slave Plays? And how does that chapter connect to the major theme of the book’s title? It takes too long and too much energy to make these connections as a whole. Separately, they are entertaining. As a whole, they are just okay, and as someone who has read the previous two books, this one is my least favorite.

Arceneaux, a gay Black man approaching 40, shares personal essays. Although interesting - especially the parts about living in and leaving New York during COVID - this wasn't the right book for me. I appreciated each of the essays individually but together they seemed overlapping and at times rambling.

I found this essay collection quite engaging. I have not read Arceneaux's work before but found myself really enjoying his unique voice. Plus, as a former Houstonian, I loved the ties back to my home city. I will definitely be seeking out his previous volumes.

I love Michael Arceneaux. I still need to read his first book, but I love his cadence and how he talks about being gay and Southern. I'm always looking forward to his next project,

I Finally Bought Some Jordans is Michael Arceneaux's third essay collection (all of which have great titles). After tackling religion and sex in his first collection and challenges with money and crippling debt in his second, his newest collection continues to mix both humor and heavy issues. The title essay is about how far he has come in his life- is his debt completely paid off? No, but he is getting there and he can treat himself now! He discusses the perils of writing about celebrities in the past and then meeting them in person (blocked by Toni Braxton?!?). Many of the essays cover his time during the early days of COVID. He is living in New York and all the positive aspects of the city are not available when he is stuck isolating in his small apartment. He plans to move to LA, but first has a long stopover of his home city of Houston and spending time with his family. He compares the different reactions to the pandemic in Houston versus in New York. He is also quite introspective about his relationships with family members (father- challenging, mother- close) and what he wants for himself in the future as he approaches 40 (goal of being a happy Black man). His writing about his mother was particularly moving knowing that since he wrote this collection she has passed away.

Arcenaux continues to write fantastic essay collections that blend together serious topics with his lovely sense of humor and I will continue to recommend his work to others.

Thank you to HarperOne via NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.

I wasn't familiar with the author before requesting the book, but the description and title caught my eye and I'm a fan of essays lately, so thought I would give it a try. Unfortunately, I just didn't connect with the author or his writing style. I am not sure why, and I am certainly in the minority here, but his voice just didn't resonate with me. This was a case of wrong book, wrong reader...

I am a self-admitted book worm, and I have been the majority of my life. Here lately, I gravitate towards suspenseful books. One genre that I have also been gravitating towards when I need a break from the suspense is books that make me laugh. As I have read both “I Can’t Date Jesus” and “I Don’t Want to Die Poor,” I know that Michael Arceneaux is one of those unique voices that can make you laugh, but also make you think. Because of this, I was very excited to read this book.

Just like “I Don’t Want to Die Poor,” I really connected with this book of essays. It not only touched on complicated relationships with family members, the feelings of grief associated with so much loss within the past few years, and not wanting family members to know the full scope of financial issues. I identified with most of the essays in the book, and I like that, no matter how dark the issue is, there were still points where I was able to laugh.

I have been following Michael online for quite a while, and, even though I’ve never met him, I’ve always felt like we could be friends. This book (and the previous books) has just reinforced this feeling. The Michael writes makes me feel like I am in his inner circle, which also helps with the connection that I feel to the books. Also, the understanding I have gotten helps me feel like a better LGBTQ+ ally. I definitely recommend this book. (Note: I finally bought my first pair of Jordans for myself in 2019)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Michael Arcenaux’s newest essay collection I Finally Bought Some Jordans brings the same sense of humor and personality I loved while reading I Don’t Want To Die Poor. Arcenaux’s range throughout these essays is broad covering Covid, grief, pop culture, processing childhood trauma in adulthood, etc. Jhene Aiko, unblock him!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperOne for the e-ARC!

As an “aging millennial “ I feel seen! I am a huge fan of this author. He is relatable, candid and funny..

The pandemic, childhood trauma, and grief are just a few topics from this collection of essays. He has a way of discussing heavy topics with humor and he always shares what he learned from each one.

Thank you Michael Arceneaux, Harperone, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.