George Takei has ventured into storytelling once again, and It Rhymes With Takei is his best effort to date. I love that he’s been using the graphic novel format. The visual presentation of important world-changing events during George’s life serve to elevate history from dull black and white to the full rainbow of visuals.
You’ll experience the events and causes George felt compelled to get involved with. You’ll learn so much about history, civics, gay rights, and the challenges facing a college student. You’ll cheer him on as he pays his dues in theater and television, and later on, in the movies. At times I felt like I was right there alongside George and his friends, fighting for rights they should never have been denied.
The graphic novel format is perfect for allowing us to see the emotions on George’s face during the happy times—and the terrible times. I enjoyed his mother’s adorable smile, and winced at his brother’s metamorphosis from sibling to stranger. I loved watching famous activists in action. History is brought to life.
At 336 pages, the book’s got room to cover a lot and, it does! We learn about George’s childhood, his family dynamics, his college days, his discovery of his love of theater, the hungry years of a young, hopeful actor paying his dues. We agonize alongside him over his need to keep his true self hidden out of fear and shame. And we get to rejoice throughout his courtship with Brad. Their relationship played out through the years of AIDS and changes in marriage laws.
If you’re a Trekkie, there’s anecdotes about the show and the movies, and his friendships with the cast and Gene Roddenberry. If you already admire George, you’ll love getting to know him better. If you need to know more about who we were as a society from the 1950s through the 1990s, you’ll learn through notable events George became involved with. I sure did; I knew he was an activist but I had no idea he was involved in so much!
You need to be aware that George’s exploration of sexuality is part of his life story. It’s certainly not shied away from; it’s presented honestly yet tastefully. I’m of the opinion that this book would be appropriate for readers from about age thirteen and up.
My thanks to George Takei, Top Shelf Productions, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It Rhymes With Takei releases on June 10, 2025. Help support its success by pre-ordering your copy now.
Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields in Michigan, where she grows herbs and vegetables when she’s not playing games with a cat named Chives. She’s fond of crafting, reading in the dark, literary worldbuilding, and pulling up dandelions. Visit Lori at brassbrightcity.com and ceejaywriter.com.
I was fortunate enough to see George Takei in person. My admiration for the actor in *Star Trek* shot up when I learned more of what Takei had done.
And this year, the actor/author’s birthday is also going to be Easter.
I’ll raise a glass to George on his birthday!