How is everyone’s week going. I managed to get ahead this weekend so everything is going pretty good. I’m just finishing up my reivews for the books I got behind on from Netgalley. I mostly read comics for them and especially enjoyed this one. It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei is an important story for fans and those who aren’t familiar with Takei alike. The book chronicles important notes of history when it comes to gay rights from the 50’s to present day.
Synopsis
This book is another brilliant graphic novel from the former Star Trek actor George Takei. In his first graphic novel Takei dealt with his time at a Japanese internment camp during World War II. While this book is focuses on the effects Takei’s sexuality had on his career and life. It also deals with some other parts of his life as well as social issues in general.
The book explores his life from when he was a young man realizing he was gay. It also tells the story of his life as a young actor and how his career got started. It also focuses on the danger that was present in the life of every gay person. It takes special not to focus on the fear of discovery when it came to trying to find partners in the 50/60s.
Takei is critical of his own reluctance to help the issues of gay rights in this period. Especially since he was helping with other issues affecting AAIP people in the post war period.
The book goes through Takei’s career both in film and theater as well as his political career in California. This autobiography spans from The spans from the 50’s in his childhood to the present day. Takei points out the progress that has been made but the way things still aren’t the best they could be. Highlighting things like the time it took to get gay marriage approved and the current book bans.
However despite some of the serious issues that come up in this book Takei remains positive with his trademark humor. The title itself is interesting as well because of Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law. Instead of saying gay Takei suggest students and teachers use his last name to go around the bill. He shows how far he has come from being afraid of admit he was gay. Now to his role as a gay icon.
Review
It is often said that we need more queer elders. After losing so many people to things like AIDS, suicide and other negative forces. Queer young people can benefit from stories like Takei’s. Not only because it shows his resilience. But because it shows that while battles for rights may take awhile its important to be committed.
Especially in this time with queer people being such a political issue. It is important to show that we’ve always been a part of history and will continue to survive. Takei brings forward a hope for the future while acknowledging all the work it took to get here.
This book was not only beautifully written but beautifully illustrated. I’d have to give this book five stars. And I would happily read anything else Takei writes or is a part of.
Have you read any good autobiographies lately? Let me know in the comments.
Happy Reading
Solara
Rose's Book Garden 