Dr. Kim van Alkemade is a New York Times bestselling author, born in New York City and raised in suburban New Jersey. She spent her formative years in a diverse household, with a Dutch father who was an immigrant and a mother who was a descendant of Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Kim's multicultural upbringing and exposure to different backgrounds have significantly influenced her writing, which often explores themes of identity, heritage, and personal growth.
Before dedicating her life to writing, Kim was an English professor at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Teaching creative writing allowed her to share her passion for storytelling and inspire students to develop their voices. Her academic background and experience in education have undoubtedly contributed to her ability to craft compelling narratives and create well-rounded, engaging characters.
Kim's debut novel, Orphan #8, became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into eleven languages. This captivating story follows a woman who confronts the doctor who conducted medical experiments on her during her time at a Jewish orphanage in the 1920s. Inspired by true events, the novel showcases Kim's talent for blending historical facts with engaging fiction.
Her second novel, Bachelor Girl, features a Jazz Age actress in New York City who inherits a fortune from the owner of the Yankees baseball team. This unexpected windfall sets the stage for a captivating story about love, ambition, and self-discovery. In her third historical novel, Counting Lost Stars, Kim delves into the experiences of an unwed college student who helps a Holocaust survivor search for his lost mother after giving up her own baby for adoption. This powerful narrative draws from Kim's father's experiences in Nazi-occupied Holland, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
Now residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, Kim shares her life with her partner, two rescue dogs, and a few feisty backyard chickens. Her ability to weave together compelling narratives, along with her dedication to her craft, make her a prominent figure in historical fiction.