Malden Reads Book Discussion with Mayor

  The Malden Public Library and Malden Reads invite you to join Mayor Gary Christenson to discuss this year’s book selection, “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei. The discussion will take place on Thursday, March 23, from 7-8 p.m. in the beautiful art galleries at the Malden Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.

  “They Called Us Enemy” is the memoir of “Star Trek” actor/author/activist George Takei, detailing his childhood when his family was deported to a Japanese-American internment camp, first in Santa Ana, Calif., and then moved to various camps throughout the West. Takei pivots between showing through his child’s eyes the years in internment with expressing his later, more adult understanding of how deeply his parents suffered during and after their imprisonment. Just as emotionally staggering is how Takei’s father maintained his faith in the democratic system while the larger government failed him.

  “They Called Us Enemy” is the first graphic novel that Malden Reads has selected in its 13 years, and the use of the graphic novel is particularly effective for this story. Drawn in a straightforward style (and entirely kid-friendly), the pictures convey the sorrow and frustration of the characters honestly and directly. The picture of a sobbing parent or an enraged protester gets to the heart of Takei’s story, and Takei’s family consistently conveys pride and dignity despite the unfairness of their treatment.

  Malden Reads is a community reading organization run by residents in collaboration with the Malden Public Library and Urban Media Arts. Each season, we invite the city of Malden, Mass., to read a selected book and participate in a program of events, projects and community initiatives centered around the themes of the book. We look forward to having you join Mayor Christenson and the Malden community to discuss this book and share your thoughts about this important phase of American history.

  Copies of both the physical book and downloadable versions are available at the Malden Public Library and copies may be purchased at The Gallery@57.