Picture a Brooklyn storyteller who swapped tech startups for sharp satire—meet Mateo Askaripour! This New York Times bestselling author burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, Black Buck, a hilarious yet piercing take on race and ambition in corporate America. With a knack for blending humor with hard truths, Askaripour’s work is a must-read for anyone craving fresh, bold voices in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Mateo Askaripour
Born in August 1991 on Long Island, Mateo Askaripour grew up in a vibrant household with a Jamaican mother and an Iranian father, soaking in diverse cultural influences. Raised in a mostly white community, he navigated subtle racism, which later fueled his writing. After graduating from NYU, Askaripour dove into the tech world, climbing from intern to sales director at a startup by age 24. But the grind of cold calls and corporate life sparked a creative itch, leading him to writing as an outlet in 2016.
His early attempts at novels didn’t land, but a fellowship at the 2018 Rhode Island Writers Colony surrounded him with Black writers who inspired him to write authentically. Channeling his experiences, Askaripour crafted stories that resonate with people of color, especially those navigating white-dominated spaces.
Mateo Askaripour’s Unforgettable Stories
Askaripour’s debut, Black Buck (2021), is a satirical masterpiece. It follows Darren, a young Black man from Bed-Stuy who transforms from a Starbucks barista into a ruthless salesman at a tech startup, only to face racism and identity struggles. Praised by critics like Colson Whitehead, the novel’s frenetic energy and sharp humor made it an instant New York Times bestseller and a Read with Jenna Today Show book club pick.
In 2024, Askaripour released This Great Hemisphere, a speculative thriller about Sweetmint, an invisible woman in a dystopian world, searching for her brother, a murder suspect. Blending sci-fi with themes of colonialism and resilience, it’s been hailed as a twisty, thought-provoking follow-up. His writing, often compared to Ralph Ellison and Paul Beatty, mixes biting social commentary with propulsive plots, making every page a rollercoaster.
His work isn’t just about storytelling—it’s a call to action. Askaripour writes to empower people of color, urging them to seize opportunities despite systemic barriers. His unique voice, rooted in his tech and sales background, brings a fresh perspective to modern literature.
Why Mateo Askaripour Matters
Mateo Askaripour’s impact lies in his ability to make readers laugh, think, and feel seen. His stories tackle heavy topics—racism, identity, power dynamics—with a wit that’s both disarming and enlightening. By centering Black and marginalized voices, he’s carving out space in a literary world that often overlooks them. Recognized as one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 rising stars” in 2021 and a National Book Foundation “5 Under 35” honoree, Askaripour is a trailblazer for a new generation of writers.
His philanthropy, like donating book profits to organizations supporting incarcerated people, shows his commitment to social justice. Askaripour’s journey from startup hustle to literary stardom inspires aspiring authors to embrace their truths and keep pushing forward.
- Born: August 1991, Long Island, NY
- Key Works: Black Buck (2021), This Great Hemisphere (2024)
- Awards: National Book Foundation’s “5 Under 35” (2023)
Snag Black Buck or This Great Hemisphere and dive into Mateo Askaripour’s electrifying world of satire and social change!