A review by tmoore65
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

funny reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I really liked the first and second sections of the novel, I felt like the criticism and satire about corporate America and start up culture was really clear and funny. I definitely was able to appreciate it considering I recently started my first corporate job. But, then as the book progressed there were aspects that were just so sad and hard to read. It was physically painful to read the parts where Darren/Buck was acting like a traditional tech bro and growing apart from his friends and family. Then by the time Darren/Buck started the Happy Campers, it just felt like too little too late. He had been super horrible to everybody he knew for almost a whole year and only started acting like a decent person for the last couple of chapters, like I'm glad he got a redemption arc but it was still frustrating especially since this change in character was very sudden. But, I feel like most of my frustrations with this book are towards the white characters and how none of them change or get better, but I also feel like that's one of the most realistic parts of the novel so really my frustrations are with society and not the book itself. I really liked the style of the book, at times it reminded me of a self-help/memoir crossover which I think really suited the story especially when Darren/Buck would break the fourth wall and address the reader. Definitely a fresh and fun take on the corporate world and what it's like being a minority in that space. I know the author said his next book wouldn't be anything like this but I'm still excited to read whatever he puts out next. 
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