Brian Kimmel is a second-generation Indonesian American with a rich multicultural background and the third grandchild of Pacific Northwest author Martha Walandouw Lohn. He co-authored Lohn's memoir, *Blue Skies, Troubled Waters*, and edited its first Indonesian language edition. As a poet, memoirist, lyricist, composer, musician, and scholar-practitioner, Kimmel shares his expertise through guest lectures and recitals on narrative technologies and expressive arts around the globe. He resides in Seattle, which is home to the Coast Salish, and works as a mental health counselor, supervisor, and educator at the Brian Kimmel Guidance Center.
A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Brian boasts numerous albums and a distinguished record of performances across the nation. His writings have appeared in *The Lion's Roar*, *The Mindfulness Bell*, *Under 35 Project*, *Buddhism & Culture*, and in chapters of *Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices*, *One Buddha is Not Enough*, and *Dancing with The Dharma: Essays on Movement and Dance in Western Buddhism*.
As a Buddhist teacher, he received teaching authority in 2021 from Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. In his free time, Kimmel enjoys hiking, traveling, and nurturing his garden, Love’s Garden, alongside family and friends.
*Blue Skies, Troubled Waters* narrates the extraordinary true story of twin sisters Ath and Kath, born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1933. Their lives take a dramatic turn when their family is uprooted and deported to the jungles of Indonesia due to their father's undocumented status. Just as they begin to adapt to their new surroundings, their world is upended in 1941 when Japan invades, leading to their family's imprisonment as civilian prisoners of war.
Through the eyes of these young girls, the memoir explores themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of family amid the turmoil of World War II. The twins’ story reflects the bravery of a community standing together against overwhelming adversity, illustrating how love and solidarity can prevail even in the darkest times.
Co-authored by their grandson, this memoir weaves together personal narratives with newly discovered historical documents, maps, and photographs, illuminating a forgotten chapter of history and showcasing the unyielding spirit of survival.
In this poignant tale, courage confronts despair as the American twin girls navigate their harrowing experiences after being deported to Indonesia at the onset of World War II. Shortly after settling into their new life, they face the invasion by Japanese forces and the subsequent imprisonment of their family as civilian prisoners of war.
