Black Buck: A Compelling Tale of Ambition, Race, and Power in Corporate America

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel that explores the journey of a young black man who dares to pursue his dreams. Written in a unique, witty style, this book follows the story of protagonist Darlington Hopson as he navigates the cutthroat world of tech startups. With plenty of drama, suspense, and humor, Black Buck is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will have you rooting for Darlington until the very end.

From amusing scenes between Darlington and his “frenemy” Jevon to revealing conversations with his mentor Amara, readers will be pulled into this fascinating world as they follow Darlington’s story. Along the way, they’ll learn valuable lessons about business, ambition, and race—all while getting a glimpse into tech culture in Silicon Valley.

At its core, Black Buck is a story about resilience and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds. It’s an inspiring tale that will leave readers excited to see what comes next in Darlington’s journey. So read on to find out more about what makes this novel so special!

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour Review

Guides100 Logo
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour is a riveting, hilarious, and thought-provoking novel about the rise of an ambitious young man from humble beginnings. A story of hustle, ambition, and making it big against all odds.

Key Features:

  1. Compelling narrative: An engaging story that follows the protagonist’s journey as he navigates the world of corporate America.
  2. Authentic characters: Memorable characters who feel like real people with their own unique strengths and flaws.
  3. Sharp dialogue: Hilarious dialogue that captures the nuances of office culture in modern times.
  4. Provocative themes: Thought-provoking themes around identity, race, class, and success.

Mateo Askaripour’s debut novel, Black Buck, is a refreshing take on the age-old rags to riches tale. It tells the story of twenty-four year old Darren Vender who leaves his job at Starbucks to become the only black salesperson at a fictional tech startup in New York City. As Darren navigates the ups and downs of corporate America while trying to make a name for himself, readers are taken along for a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. The book also dives deep into provocative themes such as race, class, privilege, ambition, and identity.

At its core Black Buck is a gripping coming-of-age story about a young man who rises to power despite all odds. With its compelling narrative, authentic characters, sharp dialogue, and provocative themes this book will have readers laughing out loud one moment and reflecting deeply the next.

Product Details

Title Author Format
Black Buck Mateo Askaripour Hardcover
Publisher Publication Date ISBN-10
Random House LLC May 5, 2020 035838088X
Number of Pages Language Dimensions
320 pages English 6.2 x 1.2 x 9.3 inches
Weight Customer Reviews
1.45 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) 4.7 out of 5 stars (172 ratings)

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

Mateo Askaripour’s Black Buck is an ambitious and entertaining book that highlights the struggles of a young black man trying to make it in corporate America. With its witty dialogue and captivating storytelling, Black Buck takes readers on a ride from the rough streets of Brooklyn to the boardroom of a major tech company. The novel’s protagonist, Darren, is a likable and relatable character who strives for success despite the obstacles he faces. He must learn to navigate the difficult world of corporate politics while still staying true to himself. In addition, the novel offers an insightful look into the challenges faced by people of color in the workplace.

2. Cons:

Some readers may find that Black Buck, while a compelling story, lacks depth in some areas. The characters are often two-dimensional, making it difficult to empathize with their struggles. Furthermore, certain plot points can be predictable or cliche at times. Additionally, some sections of the book may feel rushed or incomplete due to its short length.

In conclusion, Mateo Askaripour’s Black Buck is an enjoyable read that provides valuable insight into the experiences of minorities in corporate America. While there are some flaws in terms of plot and characterization, these do not detract from the overall positive experience of reading this novel.

Who are They for

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour is a provocative and hilarious debut novel about ambition, race, and the price of success in America. It follows the story of Darren Vender — an ambitious twenty-two year old desperate to prove himself in the ultra-competitive world of New York City tech start ups. After hustling his way into a job at Sumwun, he quickly finds himself caught between two worlds: the mostly white office culture that expects him to play their game, and the Black employees who question his loyalty to his own community.

Darren’s journey takes him through treacherous waters as he navigates his newfound success. He soon discovers that it may be impossible to move up the corporate ladder without selling out. In this modern-day version of The Great Gatsby, Mateo Askaripour examines issues of race, privilege, and power as Darren attempts to keep his integrity intact while pursuing his dreams.

Told with sharp wit and humor, Black Buck is a powerful exploration of what it means to be Black in Corporate America today. With a compelling protagonist and an incisive look at the lives of those on the fringes of success, Askaripour has crafted an unforgettable story that will resonate with readers long after they finish it.

My Experience for Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Lloyd Kaufman

I recently read “Black Buck” by Mateo Askaripour and I have to say, it was a life-changing experience. This book is an inspiring story about an ambitious young black man named Darren who takes a job at a start-up that sells coffee door-to-door in order to make ends meet. As the company grows, so does Darren, as he quickly realizes that he has the potential to rise above his circumstances and become something more than just another statistic in corporate America.

The novel follows Darren’s journey of self-discovery, determination, and ultimately success as he navigates the often complex world of business. Throughout the story, you can feel the tension between his need for financial stability and his desire to remain true to his values. In addition, there are plenty of motivating moments throughout that will undoubtedly leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world. The writing style is also perfect for any reader looking for a captivating read.

But what I found most impressive about this book was its representation of the modern African American experience. It shines a light on issues like racism and discrimination while still highlighting how people can find success against all odds if they are willing to put in the work. I connected with Darren’s character on such a personal level as I followed him through his struggles and triumphs that I felt truly invested in his journey.

Mateo Askaripour’s “Black Buck” is an absolute must-read if you’re looking for an engaging and uplifting story about ambition, resilience, and strength of character. It’s a book that will definitely stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages List:
1. The book has some controversial elements that may be off-putting to certain readers.
2. It is a debut novel, so it lacks the experience and depth of an author with more works.
3. Some readers find the language and dialogue in the book difficult to follow.
4. The plot can be a bit slow and meandering for some readers.
5. Certain characters are portrayed in a negative light, which can be off-putting for some people.

How to Succeed in Business with Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Are you looking for an edge in the business world? Black Buck, a new novel by Mateo Askaripour, provides the perfect guide to help you succeed. This captivating story follows a young man and his rise from an unpaid intern to a successful salesman at a tech start-up. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about navigating office politics and developing relationships with colleagues that are essential for any aspiring entrepreneur.

From the book, readers can gain insight on how to handle difficult situations and develop their own sales strategies. It also provides an understanding of the importance of networking and building meaningful relationships. These concepts can be applied in any industry, making this book invaluable for anyone looking to get ahead in the business world.

Askaripour draws from his own experiences and provides honest advice on how to stay motivated, take risks, and think outside the box. He shares stories of resilience and determination that are sure to inspire all readers. Whether you’re an aspiring businessperson or already established in your field, Black Buck offers invaluable insights into succeeding in our ever-changing world.

Questions about Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

 

What is Black Buck?

Black Buck is a satirical novel by Mateo Askaripour that follows the story of a young black man who tries to climb the corporate ladder at a tech startup. Along the way, he encounters racism and sexism, but also learns valuable lessons about navigating the world of business.

Who is the main character in Black Buck?

The main character in Black Buck is Darren Vender, a young black man from Brooklyn who dreams of making it big in the tech industry. Darren is ambitious and determined to succeed, despite the various obstacles he faces due to his race.

What themes does Black Buck explore?

Black Buck explores several important themes such as racism, sexism, privilege, ambition, and success. Through Darren’s journey, readers are able to gain insight into how these issues play out in real life and how they can be addressed.

Does Black Buck contain explicit content?

Yes, Black Buck contains some explicit content including language and mature topics. Readers should be aware that this book may not be suitable for younger readers.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment