Read George Takei’s Graphic Memoir with the West Coast’s Biggest Book Club
This spring, Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System invite you to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting more than 190 library systems across California, Oregon and Washington, including 25 in Washington state.
A bestselling graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy recounts Takei’s childhood as a Japanese American imprisoned within American incarceration camps during World War II. It reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today.
Other western Washington libraries participating in One Book, One Coast include Mount Vernon City Library, Port Townsend Public Library, Sno-Isle Libraries, Seattle Public Library, Everett Public Library, King County Library System, Pierce County Library and Tacoma Public Library. See the full list of participating library systems at LACountyLibrary.org/oboc.
One Book, One Coast programs
- Different Paths — Two Stories of the WWII Japanese-American Incarceration: 6:30-8 p.m., Saturday, April 25, Deming Library. Gail Kuromiya shares a book — Beyond the Betrayal, The Memoir of a WWII Japanese American Draft Resister of Conscience —written by her father, Yosh Kuromiya. Sandy Fugami tells the story of James Kazuo Okubo, a local man who volunteered to be part of the all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the US Army and is a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. Through these personal stories, the audience will gain insight into this challenging time in history. Presenters will also give a brief overview of the Japanese American incarceration during WWII and why keeping these stories alive continues to be important. Light refreshments and hot beverages provided.
Book Talk: Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – noon, Bellingham Central Library SkillShare Space. Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray leads an in-depth discussion of the 2026 One Book, One Coast selection graphic novel They Called Us Enemy by George Takei.
Feature Livestream Event: George Takei presents They Called Us Enemy: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, May 31: A West Coast livestream event with George Takei will close the One Book, One Coast program. Join us at the Ferndale Library or watch the livestream from home. Look for more details and a link soon.
About They Called Us Enemy and George Takei
Published in 2019, They Called Us Enemy is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir written by George Takei, Steven Scott and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. The book recounts Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American incarceration camps during World War II.
George Hosato Takei was born on April 20, 1937. He is an American actor and author, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series “Star Trek.” Takei is also a proponent of gay rights and active in state and local politics apart from his continued acting career. He has won several awards and recognition in his work on human rights and Japanese-American relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.
What about Whatcom READS?
While similar in concept, One Book, One Coast is not a replacement for Whatcom READS, which is presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and community partner Village Books. Whatcom READS just completed its 18th season with programs celebrating this year’s featured book, Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. For Whatcom READS 2026-2027 season, we are reading and discussing I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger.
