An Independent Press Award-winning memoir.
Blending vivid history with deeply personal memory, Blue Skies, Troubled Waters speaks to those interested in historical memoir, Asian-American history, and World War II civilian experiences.
Blue Skies, Troubled Waters is the astonishing true story of twin sisters, Ath and Kath, whose idyllic childhood in 1930s New Jersey is shattered by their family’s deportation to the jungles of Indonesia. Their new life, already a world away from everything they knew, is violently upended when Japan invades in 1941. At just eight years old, the twins and their family are captured and imprisoned as civilian prisoners of war.
This gripping memoir, co-authored by Ath’s grandson, plunges the reader into the heart of a forgotten chapter of World War II. Through the innocent yet resilient eyes of young Ath and Kath, we witness the daily struggle for survival, the quiet acts of defiance, and the unwavering power of family in the face of unimaginable brutality. More than just a war story, this is a tale of hope, the strength of a community, and the enduring love between two sisters who refuse to be broken.
Drawing on personal narrative, newly unearthed historical documents, maps, and poignant family photographs, Blue Skies, Troubled Waters is a meticulously researched and deeply moving account of survival, offering a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Readers of Unbroken and When Broken Glass Floats will be drawn to this powerful true story of family, resilience, and survival.
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Book Details:
Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, B.C.
We will be offering book signings and information at Booth #318 during the duration of the conference March 12 – 15 including the soft launch of our two newest titles, Blue Skies, Troubled Waters, Indonesian Language version and Embodying Narratives.
More Details1:00 pm
Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio
The Stories We Carry: A Somatic Practice for Healing the Healer, a 90-minute presentation and workshop for working professionals.
12:00 pm
Vritual (Eastern Time)
The First Indonesians in the Tri-State Area: A Hidden History of Migration & Survival
12:00 pm
Zoom
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-Minahasan American, and third grandchild to Seattle area award-winning author, Martha Lohn. He co-authored Lohn's memoir, Blue Skies, Troubled Waters, that has won the 2026 Independing Press Award in Cultural Heritage, 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.
