They Called Us Enemy

A touching memoir from George Takei about his time spent in an internment camp during World War II. I was a bit thrown by the overall framing device, which incorporates a number of contemporary talks that Takei has given about his experience. But the material concerning internment itself -- and his conversations with his parents about the experience once he was older -- is outstanding. Takei is sensitive to the fact that what he observed as a child is not exactly what his parents were seeing, and he underlines the lengths to which they went to make the experience palatable for a young child. The book also describes the impossible choices given to people of Japanese ancestry, and how the pain of that experience reverberated through the generations.

Essential reading, beautifully illustrated. It begins with George as a young boy, believing that he and his family were going on an exciting new adventure, only to witness moments when his parents are barely able to hide their sorrow and bitterness. The book ends on a note of hope, but also with a warning to remain vigilant lest history repeat.