Brian Kimmel, BLUE SKIES, TROUBLED WATERS

About the Book

Blue Skies, Troubled Waters, tells the remarkable true story of twin sisters Ath and Kath, born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1933, whose family is uprooted and deported to the jungles of Indonesia due to their father’s undocumented status. Their new life is quickly shattered when, in 1941, Japan invades, and the family is imprisoned as civilian prisoners of war.

Through the eyes of these young girls, we witness a tale of resilience, hope, and the strength of family amidst the chaos of World War II. The twins’ journey mirrors the courage of a village united against unimaginable hardship, revealing how bonds of love and community can endure even the most harrowing of times.

Co-authored by her grandson, this memoir blends personal narrative with newly uncovered historical records, maps, and photographs, bringing to life a forgotten chapter of history and the enduring spirit of survival.

About the Co-Author

Brian Kimmel (pronouns: he/dia) is a second generation multiheritage Indonesian American, and third grandchild to Pacific Northwest author, Martha Walandouw Lohn. He co-authored Lohn’s memoir, Blue Skies, Troubled Waters, and edited the first Indonesian language version. A poet, memoirist, lyricist, composer, musician, and scholar-practitioner, Kimmel guest lectures and recitals internationally on narrative technologies and the expressive arts. He lives with his spouse in Seattle, home to the Coast Salish, and works as a mental health counselor, supervisor, and educator for the Brian Kimmel Guidance Center.

A classically-trained pianist and vocalist, Brian has multiple albums to his credit and a long list of critically acclaimed performances nationwide. He has published articles with The Lion’s Roar, The Mindfulness Bell, Under 35 Project, Buddhism & Culture, and chapters in Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices, One Buddha is Not Enough, and Dancing with The Dharma: Essays on Movement and Dance in Western Buddhism.

A Buddhist teacher, in 2021, he received authority to teach by Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. Kimmel enjoys hiking, traveling, and tending to his garden, Love’s Garden, with family and friends.

Pre-order your copy of Blue Skies, Troubled Waters here.

Host or Publisher Elliott Bay Book Company