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A review by justreaditem
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I feel conflicted with this book. It shows the life of young Darren, who is offered an opportunity to leave Starbucks become a salesman for a start up in NYC.
He has to deal with A LOT of racism. I found myself feeling so upset and angry; shouting at the speakers because I wanted it to stop. I wanted him to take those racist bigots and sock 'em in the eye. The lack of diversity in the sales world was highlighted through this book. When you lack diversity of any kind, it creates a toxic environment.
His personality completely changed when he began to get successful but I found that was because his friends pushed him away first AND he didn't stay true to himself.
I did find his descriptions of women very misogynistic and uncomfortable. But that may have been intentional, to show the sexist view men have of women as a whole?
I'd recommend this book, especially as the author brings the daily microaggressions poc face, to light in such an obvious way even those who say they don't exist can't dispute it!
He has to deal with A LOT of racism. I found myself feeling so upset and angry; shouting at the speakers because I wanted it to stop. I wanted him to take those racist bigots and sock 'em in the eye. The lack of diversity in the sales world was highlighted through this book. When you lack diversity of any kind, it creates a toxic environment.
His personality completely changed when he began to get successful but I found that was because his friends pushed him away first AND he didn't stay true to himself.
I did find his descriptions of women very misogynistic and uncomfortable. But that may have been intentional, to show the sexist view men have of women as a whole?
I'd recommend this book, especially as the author brings the daily microaggressions poc face, to light in such an obvious way even those who say they don't exist can't dispute it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Racism, and Sexism