Last year, Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge asked participants to read a graphic memoir. I happen to love comic books and graphic novels but have never been a fan of non-fiction or biography. As a result, I was really dreading this particular task. I ended up enjoying the graphic memoir I chose so much, that by the end of last year, I would end up reading a dozen more. This book was on my list of graphic memoirs I wanted to read, but I chose to focus on lesser-known titles. By the time I had crossed those other titles off my list, I realized I was burned out on graphic memoirs.
Over a year after I read my first graphic memoir, I decided to sit down and finally read “They Called Us Enemy.” Since May was Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and June is Pride Month, it felt like the perfect time to cross this book off my list. Co-written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, “They Called Us Enemy” chronicles Takei’s experiences growing up in a Japanese internment camp. The book also highlights Takei’s efforts to fight intolerance and to stand up for equity, equality, and justice. Takei and his co-writers also sprinkle bits of history into the narrative of Takei’s life, adding context to the emotional events playing out on the page.
Artist Harmony Becker fills every panel with clear, highly detailed illustrations. She draws each person featured in the story uniquely. Just like in the real world, no two people in this graphic memoir look alike. Becker makes it incredibly easy to tell the main characters apart from the supporting characters and her page layouts are very straightforward. Even those who are not used to reading graphic novels will have an easy time following the flow of the narrative.
I’ve always thought George Takei was cool, but after finishing “They Called Us Enemy,” he has become my hero. As it is presented in this graphic memoir, Takei’s life story is both informative and emotionally charged. Every ten pages there was a scene so moving that a chill ran through my body. There were even a couple of moments in the book that moved me to tears. Anyone who doesn’t come away touched by Takei’s story might want to visit a doctor, as they might be clinically dead.
Three words that describe this book: Inspiring, Moving, Informative
You might want to pick this book up if: You are a fan of memoirs, graphic novels, or George Takei.
-Joe
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. Submit your own book review here for a chance to have it featured on the Adults Blog.
