Books for Families in the

Church Library

Fleming Family Book Review

“My Lost Freedom” by George Takei

Written by George Takei, of Star Trek fame, My Lost Freedom tells the true story of George’s childhood in the Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II. George, his parents, and his 2 siblings were unjustly imprisoned in the U.S. incarceration camps for 3 years. Forced into the camps when he was only 4 years old, George and his young siblings live a confused life- “excitement” over their new “adventure”, confusion about their parents anger and fear, and sadness as they are shifted from camp to camp. My Lost Freedom discusses a dark time in our country’s history that isn’t talked about enough. My 8 and 5 year old’s take was focusing on how unfair it all was. My 8 year old: “I would be so scared.” My 5 year old: “But they didn’t do anything bad!” It led to a discussion about the persecution immigrants in America continue to face today. In George’s words: “We were branded as ‘enemy aliens.’ But I am not an enemy or an alien. I am an American.”

Find it in the Cultural Awareness (black) section of our church’s library.