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They Called Us Enemy

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( 50,917 ratings, 7,059 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir that recounts George Takei's childhood experiences during World War II, when he and his family were forcibly relocated to Japanese American internment camps. The story explores the impact of this dark chapter in American history on Takei's life, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, and hope. Featuring poignant illustrations, the narrative offers a touching insight into the consequences of prejudice and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This graphic novel may appeal to you if you are interested in poignant, deeply personal narratives of history and resilience. Through compelling artwork and storytelling, it explores themes of identity, family, and justice, giving insight into an often-overlooked period of American history. Fans of memoirs and reflective stories will likely appreciate the emotional depth and vivid illustrations.

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A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an icon in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.

A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself -- in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

They Called Us Enemy is a stunning graphic memoir recounting actor, author, and activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon—and America itself—in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.

New York Times Bestseller!

George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his captivating stage presence and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's—and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard.

They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.

What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do? To answer these questions, George Takei joins co-writers Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

They Called Us Enemy is acclaimed for being a poignant and engaging graphic memoir that addresses the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II through George Takei's childhood experiences. It has been praised for its emotional depth, historical insight, and relevance in contemporary discussions on civil rights. Reviewers highlight its ability to inspire and teach important lessons about justice, resilience, and empathy, making it a must-read for various age groups.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781603094504

Publisher: Top Shelf Productions

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 July 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Top Shelf Productions

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Harmony Becker

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 168.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 439g

Pages: 208

About the Author

George Takei is known around the world for his founding role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise, in the acclaimed television series Star Trek. But Takei's story goes where few stories have gone before. From a childhood spent with his family wrongfully imprisoned in Japanese American internment camps during World War II, to becoming one of the country's leading figures in the fight for social justice, LGBTQ rights, and marriage equality, Mashable named Takei the #1 most-influential person on Facebook, with 10.4 million likes and 2.8 million followers on Twitter. Justin Eisinger is co-author of the New York Times Best Selling graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy, George Takei's story of childhood internment. During a career of more than a dozen years immersed in graphic storytelling, a fateful encounter with March author and Civil Rights pioneer Congressman John Lewis inspired Eisinger to turn his experience to bringing engaging non-fiction stories to readers. Born in Akron, Ohio, Eisinger lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and two dogs, and in his spare time publishes North America's only inline skating magazine. Steven Scott has worked regularly in comics since publishing his debut book in 2010, most notably as a publicist. His writing has appeared in publications by Archie Comics, Arcana Studios, and Heavy Metal magazine. As a blogger/columnist he has written for the pop culture sites Forces of Geek, Great Scott Comics, and PopMatters. Harmony Becker is an artist and illustrator. She is the creator of the comics Himawari Share, Love Potion, and Anemone and Catharus. She is a member of a multicultural family and has spent time living in South Korea and Japan. Her work often deals with the theme of the language barrier and how it shapes people and their relationships.

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