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It Rhymes With Takei

It Rhymes With Takei

by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger

ISBN 978-1-60309-574-7 - Diamond: APR251041

★ "This uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring narrative powerfully demonstrates how Takei’s lifelong experiences led him to be a voice for those who struggle." — Booklist (starred review)

★ "Unflinchingly honest… ultimately an inspiring illustration of love—love of oneself and of others—conquering all. A bold and introspective memoir that will resonate with fans of pop culture history and LGBTQIA+ narratives." — Library Journal (starred review)

"Thanks to Star Trek and his political activism, George Takei is known for taking a stand. But this book, about his decision to come out at the age of 68… proves there is more to learn about him." — The New York Times

"This invigorating autobiography effortlessly mixes inspiration with insight." — Publishers Weekly

"A heartwarming journey that, yes, goes boldly where few men have gone before." — Kirkus Reviews

"The outstanding graphic autobiography of a principled man who became a cultural icon because of his passion for improving the world for others." — Foreword Reviews

"It’s more than a biography; this book also helps readers understand what it was like to be gay for most of the 20th century and why it’s important to know." — The Washington Blade

"Well-paced, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated by Harmony Becker, It Rhymes With Takei offers a bittersweet perspective on the highs and lows of life as a gay Asian American in modern American history. I felt grateful for the historic context on our current moment. I wish it weren’t so relevant and important right now, but once again, Takei has shown up for us when we really need him." — The Geekiary

Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, George Takei’s new full-color graphic memoir reveals his most personal story of all—told in full for the first time anywhere!

George Takei has shown the world many faces: actor, author, outspoken activist, helmsman of the starship Enterprise, living witness to the internment of Japanese Americans, and king of social media. But until October 27, 2005, there was always one piece missing—one face he did not show the world. There was one very intimate fact about George that he never shared… and it rhymes with Takei.

Now, for the first time ever, George shares the full story of his life in the closet, his decision to come out as gay at the age of 68, and the way that moment transformed everything. Following the phenomenal success of his first graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy, George Takei reunites with the team of Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger for a jaw-dropping new testament. From his earliest childhood crushes and youthful experiments in the rigidly conformist 1950s, to global fame as an actor and the paralyzing fear of exposure, to the watershed moment of speaking his truth and becoming one of the most high-profile gay men on the planet, It Rhymes With Takei presents a sweeping portrait of one iconic American navigating the tides of LGBTQ+ history.

Combining historical context with intimate subjectivity, It Rhymes With Takei shows how the personal and the political have always been intertwined. Its richly emotional words and images depict the terror of entrapment even in gay community spaces, the anguish of speaking up for so many issues while remaining silent on his most personal issue, the grief of losing friends to AIDS, the joy of finding true love with Brad Altman, and the determination to declare that love openly—and legally—before the whole world.

Looking back on his own astonishing life on both sides of the closet, George Takei presents a charismatic and candid witness to how far America has come… and how precious that progress is. -- a 336-page, full-color, HARDCOVER graphic novel, 6.5" x 9"

COMING IN JUNE 2025!

Watch the video trailer for It Rhymes With Takei below (sound on)!

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