New Books Network Amy Shea, "Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins" (Rutgers UP, 2025)
Oct 24, 2025
In this discussion, Amy Shea, an author and educator focusing on death and social inequities, delves into her book, Too Poor to Die. She explores the grim realities faced by the unclaimed and those dying in poverty, enlightening listeners on the privilege surrounding end-of-life care decisions. Shea critiques the death positivity movement for lacking inclusivity, discusses the financial barriers of funerals, and emphasizes the critical role stable housing plays in health. Through her insights, she sheds light on the disparities in dying while advocating for more equitable care.
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Hidden Potter's Field Discovery
- Amy Shea discovered potter's fields through her father's genealogy work mapping Fresno County cemeteries.
- Seeing a fenced dirt field beside an ornate cemetery sparked her long investigation into indigent burials.
Unclaimed Doesn't Mean Unknown
- "Unclaimed" often means no money or no next of kin, not absence of friends or family.
- Counties assume responsibility and manage burial or cremation through disposition programs.
Plan For Real Funeral Costs
- Expect basic funeral costs to exceed several thousand dollars and plan accordingly.
- If you want remains returned from a county disposition, prepare to pay county fees often in the hundreds.
