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35 pages 1 hour read

They Called Us Enemy

Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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George Takei

They Called Us Enemy

Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

GN680L

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Super Short Summary

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, illustrated by Harmony Becker, is a graphic memoir of Takei's childhood in Japanese internment camps during WWII. Framed by Takei's modern-day talk at President Roosevelt's home, it chronicles his family's relocation to Camp Rohwer, dealing with their internment's hardships, the Loyalty Questionnaire, and eventual transfer to Camp Tule Lake. Post-war, they move to Los Angeles, where Takei's career in theater, particularly his role in Star Trek, enables him to promote tolerance and inclusivity. Sensitive topics of war, incarceration, and displacement are depicted.

Informative

Emotional

Contemplative

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.6

51,837 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei is a poignant graphic memoir that intricately depicts the injustices of Japanese American internment during WWII through evocative illustrations and compelling storytelling. Praised for its emotional depth and educational value, it occasionally receives critique for its simplistic dialogue. Overall, it is a powerful and accessible read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read They Called Us Enemy?

Fans of biographical graphic novels will appreciate George Takei's They Called Us Enemy. Readers who enjoyed Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin—books that blend personal history with broader social issues—will find a compelling narrative on resilience and justice in Takei’s work.

4.6

51,837 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

GN680L

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