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Blue Skies, Troubled Waters: a WWII Story of Resilience

on May 7, 2026, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Event description

Join Northwest author Brian Kimmel for a powerful presentation on his grandmother's incredible true story of survival. 

Blue Skies, Troubled Waters begins with a dramatic leap into Brooklyn Harbor and follows an American twin's journey through deportation, a WWII POW camp in Indonesia, and her family's ultimate return. Using historical photos and a short video introduction from his 95-year-old grandmother, Brian will share this profound story of resilience and a side of Pacific War history rarely told.

Brian Kimmel is a a second-generation multi-heritage Indonesian American and co-authored this book with his grandmother. He is an artist and award-winning author and currently lives in Seattle with his family. 

This program is part of the One Book, One Coast program led by LA County Library, a collaborative community reading initiative uniting library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington.

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Programs & Events FAQs

To request a sign language interpreter, complete this online form or contact your local library at least two weeks prior to the library event. Interpreters will be provided based on availability.

Location

Open from 9:00am–8:00pm on the day of the event
1000 SE Regatta Dr
Oak Harbor, WA 98277-3091
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