About this Event
Stories That Stay With Us: A Community Discussion
They Called Us Enemy, written in 2019, is Takei's thoughtful and engaging account of his childhood in the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Stoneham Reads selected this timely and important work to highlight an often-overlooked chapter of American history and to connect the threads of past events into a picture of where we are today. The book explores the systemic racism behind the camps, the resilience of Takei's family as they coped with their incarceration, and the lasting consequences of "othering" for American citizens and immigrants alike.
As we read together, we invite the community to reflect on how experiences of displacement, uncertainty, and resilience, which are central to many immigrant stories, continue to shape our collective understanding of what it means to belong.
Event Details
When: Thursday, November 12, 6:15-8:00 PM
Where: Stoneham Public Library, Marcy Room
RSVP: Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect
Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Schedule
- 6:15 PM: Arrive and settle in
- 6:30 PM: George Takei's TED Talk, "Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me" will be shown (16 minutes)
- 7:00-8:00 PM: Community discussion and closing
Read Along with Us (Optional)
We encourage you to read They Called Us Enemy before the event, but it’s not required. Borrow a copy from the Stoneham Public Library, buy one at Book Oasis, or download the ebook.
Come as you are, whether you’ve finished it, started it, or are just curious. We’ll open the evening with George Takei’s TED Talk, “Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me,” so everyone has a shared starting point for the conversation.
Companion Book Recommendations
Along with They Called Us Enemy, Stoneham Reads offers a carefully curated list of companion books and resources for all ages. The list spans genres from heartwarming picture books to dystopian fiction to thoughtful young adult literature. It also includes links to online historical sources.
The book and companion book suggestions are available at the Stoneham Public Library for you to browse and check out.
View the Reading List here on the Stoneham Public Library website, or here as a PDF.
Learn more about Stoneham Reads here on our website.
Event venue & nearby stays
Stoneham Public Library, 431 Main Street, Stoneham, United States
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