Mariam Sharma Hits the Road

Three Pakistani-American teenagers, on a trip through the land of pork ribs, mechanical bulls, and Confederate flags. It’s going to be quite an adventure.

The summer after her freshman year of college, Mariam is looking forward to working and hanging out with her best friends: irrepressible and beautiful Ghazala and religious but closeted Umar.

But when a scandalous photo of Ghaz appears on a billboard in Times Square, Mariam and Umar come up with a plan to rescue her from her furious parents. And what could be a better escape than a spontaneous road trip down to New Orleans?

With the heartbreaking honesty of Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ mixed with the cultural growing pains and smart snark of When Dimple Met Rishi, this wry, remarkable road-trip story is about questioning where you come from—and choosing the family that chooses you back.

What happens when a billboard scandal sends three best friends on the journey of a lifetime?

• Found Family: What happens when your best friends—irrepressible Ghazala and closeted Umar—are the only family you can count on? This hilarious and heartfelt trio redefines what it means to belong.
• Coming of Age in the South: From Times Square to New Orleans, this spontaneous journey forces Mariam, Ghaz, and Umar to confront Confederate flags, truck stop diners, and their own place in America.
• Authentic South Asian Representation: Navigating strict parents, religious expectations, and personal freedom, this story is packed with smart, snarky dialogue and cultural insights that feel achingly real.
• LGBTQ+ Voices: Follows the poignant journey of Umar, a teen trying to reconcile his Muslim faith with his identity as a gay young man, all while trying to be the best friend he can be.