Welcome, selamat datang!

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Announcing the release of a new memoir:
Blue Skies, Troubled Waters Available Now!

Blue Skies, Troubled Waters

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.

Bookstores, libraries and retailers can order through Ingram or direct from [email protected].

To schedule an interview or for review copies CONTACT: Brian Kimmel (425) 272-5585, [email protected] & Susannah Greenberg, Public Relations, (646) 801-7477, [email protected].

Book Details:

  • Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 294 Size: 5.5 x 8.5
  • ISBN: 9798218286767 PRINT $19.95
  • ISBN: 9798218537548 EPUB: $9.99
  • Publication Date: April 26, 2025
Sales Sheet Press Release

Upcoming Events

Jun15

1:00 pm

Harbor Books

Hoquiam, Washington

Book reading, presentation and signing

Book cover with smiling young woman with long, dark hair. The background image includes a wartime ship.

More Details Event Flyer
Jun28

6:00 pm

Gapura Philadelphia, Indonesian Community Center

Philadelphia, PA

Book talk, reading and signing

 

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Jun29

10:30 am

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Booth 1547

Philadelphia, PA

Book signing

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Jul20

1:00 pm

The Vault Books & Brew

Castle Rock, Washington

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Meet Brian

Brian Means "Strength" and He Brings the Power of Creativity to Everything He Does

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.

More About Brian

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