One Book, One Coast: Join the West Coast's Largest Book Club

Join the West Coast’s Largest Book Club: "One Book, One Coast" Comes to Our Library This May

This May, our library is proud to join over 190+ library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington for the inaugural One Book, One Coast community reading initiative. We invite our local readers to join thousands of others along the Pacific in reading and discussing the powerful graphic memoir "They Called Us Enemy" by actor, author, and activist George Takei.  

About the Book

They Called Us Enemy, written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, and illustrated by Harmony Becker, is a first-person account of George Takei’s childhood spent imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. As a young boy, Takei was one of 125,000 Japanese Americans unjustly incarcerated by the U.S. government. The memoir explores his family’s journey through the camps, his father’s faith in democracy despite the betrayal, and how these experiences shaped Takei’s lifelong commitment to social justice and civil rights.  

Join the Conversation: Local Book Discussions

To prepare for our grand finale with the author, we are hosting two local book discussions. Whether you prefer the energy of an in-person meeting or the convenience of joining from home, we have a seat for you:

Virtual Discussion: Can’t make it to the library? Join us on Friday, May 29 at 7 PM via Zoom. This session is perfect for those who want to participate from the comfort of their living room.

In-Person Discussion: Join us at the library on Saturday, May 30 at 1:30 PM. This will be an open, facilitated conversation.

How to get the book

You can always check out a physical copy at the library. Additionally, unlimited digital copies (eBook and eAudiobook) are available through the Libby app all month long with no wait times!  

The Main Event: A Virtual Visit with George Takei

The month-long program culminates in a special West Coast-wide livestream event featuring George Takei himself.  

May 31, 2 PM

A special virtual author talk and Q&A session with George Takei, streamed live for all participating West Coast libraries. Link will be provided on our calendar. This event is hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library.