Stories That Stay With Us: A Community Discussion
Join Stoneham Reads as it wraps up its 2026 season, Stories That Stay With Us, for a community discussion of They Called Us Enemy, a graphic novel and memoir by George Takei.
Written in 2019, the book 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 here on Eventbrite 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.
The book and resources are set aside at the library for you to browse and check out. View the Reading List here.
About Stoneham Reads
Stoneham Reads has brought residents together since 2021 through the shared experience of reading and discussing a book that connects to issues affecting our community and broadens residents' perspectives.