Off the Books: A Novel BY Soma Mei Sheng Frazier

In Off the Books, Mei, a recent Dartmouth dropout, is searching for direction in life. To make ends meet, she takes up a job driving a limo, a decision that quickly evolves into a unique role as a routine chauffeur for sex workers, thanks to her grandfather’s advice to accept payments under the table. Mei’s knack for discretion makes her a trusted confidant among her clients, but her routine is disrupted when she begins a cross-country trip with a new client.

Henry, the enigmatic and handsome client with an oversized black suitcase, captivates Mei’s curiosity. He seems more concerned with frequent, unexplained stops than with the urgency of their journey from San Francisco to Syracuse. When Mei stumbles upon the suitcase’s contents, she is faced with a revelation that challenges her sense of morality and changes the nature of their trip.

As Mei grapples with Henry’s shocking secret, the road trip transforms from a straightforward journey into a quest fraught with moral dilemmas and dangerous consequences. Through their evolving relationship and the challenges they face, Mei learns profound lessons about the human spirit, integrity, and the courage to do what is right.

Off the Books is a compelling debut that offers a fresh perspective on the classic American road trip. It is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of choosing the path of righteousness, leaving readers reflecting on the power of compassion and moral courage long after the journey ends.