Shanghai, with Extra Soy Sauce

When high school English teacher Ben Walker impulsively says yes to a job offer in Shanghai, he thinks he’s signing up for a fun sabbatical. Instead, he’s about to dive headfirst into a wildly unpredictable journey filled with karaoke catastrophes, neon-lit noodle hunts, cosplay clashes, and ancient ghost stories that feel just a little too real.

Along with his pragmatic and dry-witted friend Luke, Ben navigates culture shock, language fails, and a never-ending parade of new friends, all while trying to teach Shakespeare to students who think Hamlet just needs therapy.

Shanghai, with Extra Soy Sauce is a heartfelt, hilarious tale of friendship, cultural collision, and personal growth. Through every wrong turn and right moment, Ben discovers that sometimes the best classroom is the world itself—and the greatest lessons come when you’re totally out of your depth.

©2025 Ashlee Mack (P)2025 Ashlee Mack