Day 22 of Black History Month: A New Voice To Discover: Introducing Mateo Askaripour

     It is a professional perk to discover new writers and recommend them to fellow avid readers.   Everyone knows of Toni Morrison,  Maya Angelou,  Langston Hughes. and so many talented black writers but it's exciting when a new generation writers come along to spark the literary landscape with a little razzle dazzle.  Mateo Askarjpour is a new to publishing and by the looks of his first novel,  it is to be believed he'll be around for a long time.  The book's title and cover art intriguing and eye catching that one can't help but be curious about the contents. What could a book titled  Black Buck, possibly be about?    Money?  Coffee?   Well, yes and yes.  It has two do a little bit about both topics.   

    Mateo Askaripour's writing is satirically, fresh and sharp.  It takes the reader on a journey of a tech start up company that promises the world to not-so-ambitious Starbuck employee, Darren.   Everyone knows that Darren has potential,  especially his mother, but he is "just fine". working as a barrister for Starbucks. Life is good until he is given the opportunity to achieve success on a level the he has never known.  Darren reinvents himself seemingly overnight to become a successful salesperson in a tech company, Sumwum.   Not only is he the a natural as a salesperson he is also the only person of color working at the company.  

    The story is timed perfectly with the rise and fall of Darren.  To the reader's delight,  when he does hit rock bottom, he picks himself up like to true fighter.   Darren hatches a plan aimed at helping  young people of color succeed in America's sales force.  This turns into creating  a domino's effect that changes the game for the upstart tech world.   Askarjpour has reintroduced the American Dream story and told it in a modern day twist.  Darren realizes his potential,  his calling and his role as a leader to help others achieve their own success.  

    If you are looking for a great escape into a story that is quick witted and a page turner to boot.  Look no further than this debut novel by Mateo Askarjpou.   It is fresh voice that has been missing for far too long. It is very difficult to find fiction books  that are a combination of humor and uplifting.  Added bonus,  this book is pure enjoyment from start to finish. Reader's can not ask for much more when seeking out modern fiction.