They Called Us Enemy: A Powerful Autobiographical Graphic Novel By George Takei

George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy is an incredibly powerful and eye-opening graphic novel memoir. This amazing book follows George Takei as he recounts his childhood experience of being forcibly removed from his home in Los Angeles, California and incarcerated in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. As a child, George was surrounded by love and security, yet suddenly found himself in an environment that was anything but. Through They Called Us Enemy, George bravely explores the tumultuous time he spent inside the camps, and the lasting effect of this traumatic experience on his life.

The emotionally charged story is brought to life with beautiful illustrations from artist Harmony Becker. Together, they create a vivid portrait of what it was like for George, his family, and all those affected by this dark period in our history. While They Called Us Enemy paints a somber picture of life during wartime, it also serves as a reminder that we must never forget our past if we are to move forward into a brighter future. With its compelling narrative and stunning visuals, this book is sure to leave readers captivated and inspired.

Table of Contents

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei Review

Guides100 Logo
They Called Us Enemy: Reflections, Reactions and Remedies for a Wounded World is a powerful graphic memoir by George Takei. It tells the story of his childhood during WWII when he and his family were sent to Japanese American internment camps. Through vivid illustrations, this book offers an intimate look at the plight of internees during that time and provides insight into the long-standing effects of discrimination and injustice. Key Features:

1) A true story of one man’s experience in the Japanese American internment camps during WWII.

2) Illustrated with powerful artwork from a variety of talented artists.

3) An exploration of the lasting effects of racism, xenophobia and prejudice.

4) George Takei’s personal reflections on growing up in an internment camp.

This compelling graphic memoir is sure to touch readers’ hearts and open their minds to the realities faced by those who have been wrongly persecuted. The artwork alone is worth looking at – it brings to life the pain, suffering, and hope that George experienced during his time as an internee. In addition, there are thoughtful reflections on his experiences which will give readers insight into what it was like to grow up in an environment where fear and prejudice were rampant. They Called Us Enemy is a must read for anyone who wants to gain perspective on a difficult period in our history and understand how our actions today can shape our future.

Product Details

Product	They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
Author	George Takei
Publication Date	July 16, 2019
Publisher	Top Shelf Productions
Pages	208 pages
Binding	Hardcover
Language	English

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei Pros and Cons

Pros

1. They Called Us Enemy is an inspiring, powerful and captivating graphic memoir by George Takei that tells the story of his family’s internment during World War II.

2. The book features beautiful illustrations by artist Harmony Becker that bring the narrative to life in vivid detail.

3. It provides an important reminder of how dangerous it can be when a government uses fear and prejudice to violate the human rights of its citizens.

4. This graphic novel is a must-read for fans of Takei, as well as those interested in learning more about this dark period in American history.

Cons

1. Some readers may find the graphic novel format off-putting if they are not used to reading comics or graphic novels.

2. The book does contain some disturbing content which may be upsetting for younger readers.

3. The book may be too dense for those who are looking for a quick read or something lighter in tone.

4. While the book is historically accurate, it may not provide enough context for those unfamiliar with Japanese-American internment during World War II.

Who are They for

They Called Us Enemy, written by George Takei, is an inspiring graphic memoir that chronicles the actor and activist’s childhood incarceration in two American concentration camps during World War II. As a child, Takei was among 120,000 Japanese Americans forced from their homes and into internment camps without due process or any sense of justice. Through powerful artwork and gripping narrative, readers will gain insight and understanding into the immense hardship faced by Japanese Americans during this turbulent time in history.

Takei’s story begins with his family’s evacuation from Los Angeles to Santa Anita Park, which had been converted into a makeshift camp. From there they were relocated to Rohwer, Arkansas, before eventually being released at the end of the war. Despite the trauma of these experiences, Takei never lost his determination to fight for justice. He eventually became an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social change, making him one of the most important figures in 20th century American history.

This unique, powerful graphic novel provides invaluable perspective on an all-too-often forgotten part of our nation’s past. They Called Us Enemy captures the essence of resilience and hope even in times of great struggle, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a more complete understanding of America’s history.

My Experience for They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Lloyd Kaufman

When I first read _They Called Us Enemy_ by George Takei, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It was like a story out of a history book, but it was actually his life story and the story of thousands of other Japanese Americans during World War II. George Takei tells how after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the US government issued orders to round up and imprison innocent citizens who happened to be of Japanese descent.

The stories in this book were both heartbreaking and inspiring. He writes about the injustice that occurred, but also about the hope that sustained many people during those difficult times. One thing that really stood out to me was the way he weaves together personal stories with broader historical context. He paints a vivid picture of what life was like for Japanese Americans in internment camps and beyond.

What I found most remarkable about They Called Us Enemy is how honest and open George Takei is about his own experiences. He doesn’t shy away from talking about his family’s struggles or his own feelings of anger and despair. Despite all they went through, he never loses sight of his commitment to justice, equality, and American democracy.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in learning more about this difficult period in our nation’s history. With its engaging storytelling and powerful message, _They Called Us Enemy_ will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

What I don’t Like

1. High price: At over $20, this graphic novel is relatively expensive compared to other titles in the genre.
2. Limited audience: The subject matter of They Called Us Enemy is likely to be of more interest to adults than to younger readers.
3. Not for everyone: As a graphic novel about the internment camps during WWII, this may not be suitable for some readers who are sensitive to such topics.

How to Reconnect with Your Family History through They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Do you want to learn more about your family’s history? They Called Us Enemy by George Takei is a powerful graphic novel that can help you do just that. This critically acclaimed memoir, winner of the 2020 Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work, tells the story of how Takei and his family were wrongfully incarcerated during World War II. Through this book, readers can gain an intimate understanding of how war-time government policies can affect a family.

Through They Called Us Enemy, you can explore how your own family may have been affected by similar events in their past. Reading the memoir will give you insight into the horrors of internment camps and the strength it took for those families to survive. You’ll also learn about how individuals like Takei used their experiences to advocate for social change and justice.

At its core, They Called Us Enemy is a stunningly illustrated journey of resilience and hope in the face of injustice. Read this book as a way to explore your family roots and gain insight into how adversity shaped them over generations. The real-life stories in this book will help you reconnect with your ancestors and appreciate the hardships they faced—all while learning valuable lessons about courage, faith, and humanity.

Questions about They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

What is They Called Us Enemy about?

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir written by actor and activist George Takei that tells his personal story of being imprisoned in Japanese internment camps during World War II. This gripping and heartfelt book offers an essential account of one of the most egregious violations of civil liberties in American history.

Who is George Takei?

George Takei is an acclaimed actor, director, author, and activist. He is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek television series and films. In addition to his work in entertainment, he works to raise awareness of social justice issues including LGBTQ rights and Japanese-American incarceration during WWII.

How long was George Takei imprisoned?

At the age of five, George Takei was taken from his home in Los Angeles to the Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas with his family. He was held there for four years until the end of World War II.

What kind of format is They Called Us Enemy available in?

They Called Us Enemy is available as both a hardcover edition and an eBook for Kindle, Nook, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and more.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.