An unsparing account of Takei's family's unjust imprisonment, along with tens of thousands of other Japanese-American families (including many U.S. citizens) during WWII in the wake of the Pearl Harbor bombing. Takei was four in 1941, and for the next few years, he lived with his mother, father, and two siblings at Camp Rohwer in Arkansas, and then Tule Lake Segregation Center in California. Takei's story ends back in Los Angeles, where the family is reunited after the end of the war (Takei's father went ahead to find them a place to stay). Throughout, Takei's parents are true heroes, making their children feel safe and loved, creating community, and remaining firm in their principles.

Extensive back matter includes a glossary and pronunciation guide, an author's note and photos, and "after the war," a section explaining postwar struggles and the long-delayed Civil Liberties Act and formal apology from President Reagan - too late for Takei's father, who died in 1979. ( )

This story is about resilience and also describing the experiences and feelings felt by those who have been labeled as an enemy. This story comes from a unique perspective that very few could speak to and relate to, however it also puts our lives and our experiences into perspective and reminds us to treat each other with respect and humanely. ( )