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archytas's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Every year I read a couple of books from the most-banned lists from the United States. This one has been on my radar for a while. While most books are banned because of themes of queer identities, this one has been targeted because of its themes around racialised injustices. The graphic novel tells the story of Takei's incarceration as a child in internment camps set up for Japanese Americans. Takei spent the ages of 4 to 8 in the camps, starting his schooling there, among other first experiences.
The comic manages to get quite a bit of exposition in, about how and why the camps were opened and proliferated. Takei's mother was one of those who was nearly repatriated after the war, due to her decisions to give up on US citizenship during the ordeal. The authors clearly explain how many came to those decisions, even while considering America a great democracy. The art and design effectively brings the worlds of the camps to life - perhaps most memorably in the sheer exuberant joy of a isolated jeep ride outside the walls.
Having said that, the richness of the history of these camps is not entirely well served by such a brief format. In particular, I was frustrated a little by the relative brevity given to the dynamics at Tule Lake, where those who refused to agree to the loyalty pledge were kept. But in the end, I quite like my history long. For those who prefer short, this is an excellent primer (with bonus Star Trek stories!).
The comic manages to get quite a bit of exposition in, about how and why the camps were opened and proliferated. Takei's mother was one of those who was nearly repatriated after the war, due to her decisions to give up on US citizenship during the ordeal. The authors clearly explain how many came to those decisions, even while considering America a great democracy. The art and design effectively brings the worlds of the camps to life - perhaps most memorably in the sheer exuberant joy of a isolated jeep ride outside the walls.
Having said that, the richness of the history of these camps is not entirely well served by such a brief format. In particular, I was frustrated a little by the relative brevity given to the dynamics at Tule Lake, where those who refused to agree to the loyalty pledge were kept. But in the end, I quite like my history long. For those who prefer short, this is an excellent primer (with bonus Star Trek stories!).
heathermarie08's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
morgantheodoree's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars - What a fantastic graphic memoir, I didn’t know a lot of the Japanese camps in America and seeing it through the eyes of young George was just so powerful.
slowpoke's review against another edition
5.0
wow absolutely wow
george takei's words hit so powerfully in this graphic novel. it's not only the history of what happened to japanese americans (and immigrants) during WWII but also to bring to light what is happening recently and how its not okay.
george takei's words hit so powerfully in this graphic novel. it's not only the history of what happened to japanese americans (and immigrants) during WWII but also to bring to light what is happening recently and how its not okay.
orlandoreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
runlaurelrun's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Racism, War, and Xenophobia
heyitsbee's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
sophievigeant's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0