They Called Us Enemy

They Called Us Enemy

2019 • 208 pages

Ratings52

Average rating4.5

15

I am enjoying these new graphic novel format biographies. While they don't have the space to get into a lot of detail, they do a great job of giving a sketched look into a person's life.

I did not know much about George Takei's life outside of his role in Star Trek. In fact, it is only recently that I've become aware that Americans of Japanese descent were forced into internment camps during WWII.

Takei tells the story like a Ted Talk while the art shows the story. I like that Takei's voice comes through so strong. I did have to get used to marrying the speech style storytelling with the action in the pictures.

My favorite part of the book comes in a conversation with Takei's father regarding our country and President Eisenhower. Mr Takei pointed out that Eisenhower did a lot of good things for our country. He wasn't a perfect person and he committed a deep wound to American citizens of Japanese descent. The wheels of government turn slowly and this is still the best form of government in our world. This speaks of a deep wisdom that can see beyond the moment into a bigger picture of time.

I want to develop that kind of perspective. To have wisdom that comes from having patience to see deeper and longer.

December 3, 2019Report this review