Thursday, June 12, 2025

TOP SHELF productions Annouces IT RYHMES WITH TAKEI has arrived!

It Rhymes With Takei is here!

What a week it has been! 

Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, the iconic George Takei has returned to the field of graphic memoir with an even more personal story, crafted with the same creative team. It Rhymes With Takei explores the complexities of George Takei's life as a gay man, his decades in the closet, his decision to come out at age 68, and how that moment changed everything.



George Takei hits the airwaves!

To celebrate the book's launch, this week Takei visited Good Morning America to discuss his journey through LGBTQ+ history. Now you can watch the full clip here!

It Rhymes With Takei's Received Buckets of Praise!

★ "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

"George Takei offers a profoundly personal and unflinching view of his life, weaving historical context that also provides a portrait of America. Heavily tinged with Takei’s own personality, the book is a cheerful reminder that while things are difficult, we need to have the courage to defend what is important to us."
— Comics Beat

"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!

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.

It Rhymes with Takei
by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger
$99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4
336 pages | 6.5” x 9”
full-color hardcover graphic memoir
Browse preview images | Available now from all fine stores!

Watch the animated trailer for It Rhymes With Takei!

Celebrate It Rhymes With Takei in style with the deluxe limited edition — signed by George Takei!

This Top Shelf signed and numbered edition, limited to 1,000 individually-numbered copies worldwide, features an exclusive iridescent cover finish and a sewn-in letterpress bookplate signed by George Takei.

It Rhymes with Takei (SIGNED & NUMBERED EDITION) 
by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger
$99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4
336 pages | 6.5” x 9”
full-color hardcover graphic memoir with iridescent cover and signed bookplate
Browse preview images | Shipping June 24th, 2025!

Meet George Takei on both coasts!

Takei is celebrating the book (and Pride Month) with a series of live Q&As, personal appearances and book signings throughout June in New York and California. See the links below for details about each event and to reserve your spot!

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