It rhymes with Takei

In his thorough and touching graphic memoir, Takei divulges his life story within the context of his struggles with his sexuality. Flashing back and forth between interviews in recent years and detailed recollections of his adolescence and young adulthood, Takei discusses feeling like an actor his whole life, since he remained closeted until he was 68 despite knowing he was gay from a young age. Takei comments on how society pushed him to feel unable to show his true self and that much of his career as an actor was involved with portraying heterosexuality. In his memoir, Takei speaks about this struggle and others, including referencing his childhood experiences of WWII incarceration camps (as told in They Called Us Enemy) and academic ventures, switching careers to follow his passion for acting. Takei also discusses his lifelong involvement in activism, since he faced prejudice as a child and continued to see it in his communities his whole life. As Takei realizes the influence he has, he becomes more overtly involved in speaking up about LGBTQ+ issues in addition to other causes he cares about. Becker, who illustrated Takei's earlier memoir, handles the artwork here as well, handily portraying his experiences in naturalistic, expressive linework. This uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring narrative powerfully demonstrates how Takei's lifelong experiences led him to be a voice for those who struggle.

Star Trek actor and Eisner award winner Takei follows They Called Us Enemy with a deeply felt and good-humored graphic memoir that charts his long journey toward self-acceptance as a gay man. The accessible narrative opens with a prologue set in 2022, when Takei appeared on The View to discuss coming out at the "very late" age of 68 and declared that "society groomed me to be closeted." He then flashes back to his boyhood, where he learns to pretend to be attracted to girls: "Even at this early stage, I was an actor... hiding my true self behind a character." In high school, he develops a passion for the stage, and eventually he lands roles in theater, film, and television. Alongside fond memories of playing Sulu on Star Trek, he peppers in cameos from such luminaries as Cary Grant. Across the years, he confronts personal, professional, and historic highs and lows. Despite his fears, when he finally comes out publicly, it bolsters his career. He campaigns openly for gay marriage and gets asked to appear on series like The Big Bang Theory. Harmony Becker's crisp, bright art complements Takei's sunny storytelling, and though he frankly acknowledges present-day political challenges, he concludes on a determinedly optimistic note: "If we have the courage to fight for our principles, America will be okay." This invigorating autobiography effortlessly mixes inspiration with insight. (June)

The role of a lifetime: an actor as activist. Takei famously came out of the closet at age 68, in 2005. Ever since, the actor has been working passionately as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. In this sprightly and affecting graphic memoir, Takei guides readers on the winding path that led to his activism--and tells how he became an actor, known the world over for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in theStar Trek franchise. Takei recounts his Japanese American family's post--Pearl Harbor imprisonment in internment camps in Arkansas and California. "We were punished for looking different," he says. "Then came this growing realization that I hadanother difference"--he was attracted to other boys. "I felt so alone," he says in text accompanying a poignant illustration of him with his hands in his pockets, a despairing look on his face. Thankfully, Buddhism helped the youth; his temple taught him about acceptance--"maybe my feelings were a natural part of me." His desire to fight injustice began early, when, as a teenager, he picked strawberries and challenged fellow Japanese Americans not to exploit Mexican workers. Takei studied architecture at UC Berkeley, but his "secret aspiration" to be an actor soon became a reality: He landed a voice-over gig that paved the way for a bright future. For decades, he lived a double life, afraid of others' finding out that he was gay (which could have ended his career). His fear, though, didn't stop him from championing causes--in addition to serving on the board of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, he volunteered for politicians, including Tom Bradley, who, as mayor of Los Angeles, named Takei to a public transportation board. The helmsman of the USSEnterprise, it turns out, helped the City of Angels get a subway system. A heartwarming journey that, yes, goes boldly where few men have gone before. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.