One Book Discussion: George Takei’s Memoir “They Called Us Enemy”

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library (Photo – @MontereyParkLib)

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is joining more than 140 libraries across California, Oregon, and Washington this spring for One Book, One Coast, a large-scale community reading initiative promoting literacy, learning, and civil discourse.

This year’s shared title is They Called Us Enemy, the acclaimed graphic memoir by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger, with illustrations by Harmony Becker.

Community Discussion on May 30

Local readers are invited to gather on Saturday, May 30 at 12:00 pm in the library’s Friends Room for a community discussion of the book. Light refreshments will be served. The first 10 registrants with a valid Monterey Park library card will receive a free copy, with registration opening May 1.

Print copies are available for checkout, and unlimited digital copies of the e‑book will be accessible on Libby through June 6.

Author Event Featuring George Takei

The One Book, One Coast program will conclude on May 31 at 2:00 pm with a special in‑person author talk by George Takei at the East Los Angeles Library, followed by a book signing. The event will also stream live on YouTube for those unable to attend.

A Story of History and Identity

They Called Us Enemy recounts Takei’s childhood experience in American concentration camps during World War II. Through themes of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, the memoir examines the meaning of being American—both in the past and in today’s social landscape.