Graphic reading “One Book One Coast” in bold black text. Above the title is a stylized illustration of an open book forming a landscape with evergreen trees, rolling hills, ocean waves, mountains, clouds, and a bright yellow sun. Decorative geometric patterns in teal, gold, and navy appear in the corners against a soft gradient background.
 

 

A shared community reading program that celebrates literacy, learning, community and civil discourse.

 

One Book, One Coast brings together library systems across California, Washington State, and Oregon to read They Called us Enemy by George Takei.

 

What is the book about?

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Confronting questions of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, George’s work is a stunning examination of what it means to be American, both long ago and today.

 

Are there any community events I can attend?

Yes! Check out the following upcoming events to celebrate this year's One Book, One Coast reading selection:

  • Community Wish on April 9th at 4pm - Help us make 1,000 origami paper cranes to grant a wish.
  • Graphic Novel Memoirs April 13th - May 1st - Visit the station in front of the Check Out Desk to create a short comic about a family story, a moment of courage, a story of migration, or identity for our community story wall.
  • Memory Boxes on May 20th at 5:30pm - Decorate a memory box and fill out prompt cards with family stories. Scan up to 3 family photos to be sent to you via email (Registration required).
  • Author Talk with George Takei on May 31st at 2pm - Attend in person at the East Los Angeles Library or view the live streaming.

 

Promotional graphic for They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. The image shows the book cover featuring a young Japanese American boy and his family being sent to an internment camp, next to a portrait of George Takei. The title “They Called Us Enemy” and the author’s name appear above. The “One Book One Coast” program logo appears on the right with a stylized book landscape of trees, waves, mountains, and a rising sun.