Black Buck
A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!
“Askaripour closes the deal on the first page of this mesmerizing novel, executing a high wire act full of verve and dark, comic energy.”
—Colson Whitehead, author of The Nickel Boys
“A hilarious, gleaming satire as radiant as its author. Askaripour has announced himself as a major talent of the school of Ralph Ellison, Paul Beatty, Fran Ross, and Ishmael Reed. Full of quick pacing, frenetic energy, absurd—yet spot on—twists and turns, and some of the funniest similes I’ve ever read, this novel is both balm and bomb.”
—Nafissa Thompson-Spires, author of Heads of the Colored People
For fans of Sorry to Bother You and The Wolf of Wall Street—a crackling, satirical debut novel about a young man given a shot at stardom as the lone Black salesman at a mysterious, cult-like, and wildly successful startup where nothing is as it seems.
There’s nothing like a Black salesman on a mission.
An unambitious twenty-two-year-old, Darren lives in a Bed-Stuy brownstone with his mother, who wants nothing more than to see him live up to his potential as the valedictorian of Bronx Science. But Darren is content working at Starbucks in the lobby of a Midtown office building, hanging out with his girlfriend, Soraya, and eating his mother’s home-cooked meals. All that changes when a chance encounter with Rhett Daniels, the silver-tongued CEO of Sumwun, NYC’s hottest tech startup, results in an exclusive invitation for Darren to join an elite sales team on the thirty-sixth floor.
After enduring a “hell week” of training, Darren, the only Black person in the company, reimagines himself as “Buck,” a ruthless salesman unrecognizable to his friends and family. But when things turn tragic at home and Buck feels he’s hit rock bottom, he begins to hatch a plan to help young people of color infiltrate America’s sales force, setting off a chain of events that forever changes the game.
Black Buck is a hilarious, razor-sharp skewering of America’s workforce; it is a propulsive, crackling debut that explores ambition and race, and makes way for a necessary new vision of the American dream.
Black Buck: A Captivating Tale of Ambition, Identity, and Corporate Culture
In Mateo Askaripour's compelling novel, "Black Buck," protagonist Darren Carter finds himself navigating the cutthroat world of corporate America as an ambitious young Black salesman. Darren joins Rent-A-Swag, a prominent startup that rents luxury clothing and accessories, with the drive to succeed and climb the corporate ladder.
Darren's journey is characterized by a complex interplay of race, identity, and success. Mateo Askaripour deftly explores the challenges faced by a Black man in a predominantly white corporate environment. Darren's success is met with skepticism, envy, and outright racism, yet he remains resolute in his pursuit of professional accomplishment.
As Darren ascends the corporate ranks, his loyalty to Rent-A-Swag and his personal values are put to the test. He must decide whether to conform to the company's toxic culture or maintain his integrity. The narrative delves into themes of power dynamics, morality, and the sacrifices one may have to make to achieve success.
With its vibrant characters, thought-provoking themes, and exploration of contemporary issues, "Black Buck" is a compelling read. Mateo Askaripour's writing is insightful and sharp, keeping readers engaged from the first page to the last. This novel is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in the pursuit of success and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Key Themes in "Black Buck":
- Race and Identity: Darren's experiences as a Black man in the corporate world highlight the systemic racism and bias that exist in professional settings.
- Corporate Culture: The novel exposes the toxic culture prevalent in many corporations, where ruthless ambition and cutthroat tactics are normalized.
- Moral Dilemmas: Darren's journey presents moral dilemmas as he navigates the conflicting demands of personal integrity and corporate success.
- Loyalty and Betrayal: The narrative explores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, both within personal relationships and in the corporate realm.
- Redemption and Growth: Darren's character arc encompasses growth and redemption as he learns from his mistakes and strives for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Why Read "Black Buck"?
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The novel delves into important contemporary themes such as race, identity, corporate culture, and moral dilemmas, making it a thought-provoking read.
- Compelling Characters: Darren Carter is a well-developed and relatable protagonist, and the supporting characters add depth and complexity to the narrative.
- Engaging Writing Style: Mateo Askaripour's writing is engaging and immersive, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
- Relevant and Timely: The novel addresses issues that are relevant to today's society, making it a timely and relatable read.
- Critical Acclaim: "Black Buck" has received critical acclaim for its insightful exploration of race, identity, and corporate culture.
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