6:00 - 7:00
Discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. This accessible and moving graphic memoir explores childhood, family, and the consequences of incarceration during World War II. Blending history with lived experience, the book invites readers to reflect on citizenship, democracy, and the importance of remembering past injustices. A compelling and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.
Stretching from California’s southern border to northmost tip of Washington state, One Book, One Coast is a brand-new, multi-state community reading initiative that brings readers together around a shared book, sparking conversation, programs and reflection across the West Coast.
Our inaugural selection is They Called Us Enemy (2019), a graphic memoir by George Takei that recounts his childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens, following Executive Order 9066 in 1942.
Read along March–May 2026 and join the programs and discussions it inspires.
Book Clubs
Read, discuss ideas and connect through the many book clubs hosted by SFPL.
History
Learn more about local history.
Japanese Interest
Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Japanese community and culture.