King County Library System is proud to join more than 140 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington in One Book, One Coast — the West Coast's biggest shared community reading program. Organized by LA County Library, this region-wide book club invites millions of readers to read and discuss the same book together, celebrating literacy, community, and meaningful conversation.
This year's selection is "They Called Us Enemy" by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger, illustrated by Harmony Becker — a graphic memoir about Takei's childhood imprisonment in American concentration camps during World War II, and a deeply human story about what it means to love a country that has turned against you.
Or explore other formats.
Looking for digital?
Check out one of our unlimited copies of the graphic novel through OverDrive/Libby, or on Hoopla by signing in with your KCLS library card: They Called Us Enemy, They Called Us Enemy: Expanded Edition, and Nos Llamaron Enemigo (Spanish).
A Conversation with George Takei
Join us on May 31, 2026 at 2PM PST
The largest book club on the West Coast wraps up with a special visit from George Takei, author of They Called Us Enemy.
Join LA County Librarian and Director, Dr. Skye Patrick, and Long Beach Public Library Director, Cathy de Leon, in conversation with actor, author, and activist George Takei in celebration of One Book, One Coast! The largest book club on the West Coast wraps up with a special visit from George Takei, author of They Called Us Enemy. We'll be talking to George about the experiences that led to the creation of his memoir, what it means to be a good neighbor and citizen in the face of overwhelming challenges, and how shared books and stories build stronger communities.
George Takei is a renowned civil rights activist, social media icon, Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author, and pioneering actor whose career has spanned over six decades. Best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, Takei has appeared in more than 40 feature films and hundreds of television episodes. He has leveraged his public profile to champion social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and marriage equality. Takei’s advocacy is deeply personal. As a child during World War II, he and his family were among the 125,000 Japanese Americans unjustly imprisoned in U.S. incarceration camps—a formative experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to civil rights and public service. Currently, Takei serves as chair emeritus and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Japanese American National Museum. He was appointed to the Japan-United States Friendship Commission by President Bill Clinton and, in 2004, was honored by the Emperor of Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his significant contributions to U.S.-Japan relations.
Read stories commemorating Japanese American internment during World War II. Browse a list of our picks for all ages.
Curated in partnership with Tani Ikeda, Alice Ito, and Michelle Kumata, this booklist highlights their shared vision and expertise in honoring the Nikkei farmers of Bellevue, WA.
Curated in partnership with Tani Ikeda, Alice Ito, and Michelle Kumata, this booklist highlights their shared vision and expertise in honoring the Nikkei farmers of Bellevue, WA.
Curated in partnership with Tani Ikeda, Alice Ito, and Michelle Kumata, this booklist highlights their shared vision and expertise in honoring the Nikkei farmers of Bellevue, WA.