“David Masciotra is a straight shooter.” – Andrew Sullivan
David Masciotra is an author, lecturer, and cultural critic. He is the author of All That We Learned About Livin’: The Art and Legacy of John Mellencamp, forthcoming from the University Press of Kentucky, and Against Traffic: Essays on Politics and Identity (Brown Dog Books, 2013). In 2010, Continuum Books published his first book, Working On a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen. He has written about culture for the Daily Beast, The Atlantic, Washington Post, Blurt,and the Los Angeles Review of Books. He has written about politics for the Indianapolis Star, Truthout, and Front Porch Republic, and he has written about life and spirituality for Relevant Magazine and The Cresset. He is a former columnist with PopMatters. In These Times said that Masciotra is “insightful, even brilliant at times” and The Morning Star (UK) said that Masciotra is “well-worth reading.” For almost the entirety of its short run, Masciotra was a blogger at True/Slant. Forbes called Masciotra’s blog “epic.”
In 2007, he graduated from the University of St. Francis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and shortly after began writing a provocative and highly acclaimed weekly column for the (Joliet) Herald News. In 2010, Continuum Books published his first book, and he also graduated from Valparaiso University with a Master’s Degree in English Studies and Communication.
He has become a dynamic public speaker. Novelist Ben Tanzer said, “At times David Masciotra is a holy roller preacher, and at other times he is a rock star, but at all times he is an audience’s dream, bringing the fire and the passion whenever and wherever he speaks.” Masciotra has spoken at college campuses, book stores, political rallies, churches, and literary festivals.
At 28, Masciotra has already proven himself as committed to and capable of exploring a wide range of issues – from spirituality to sex, from politics to pop culture – in a style that excites the reader, provoking thought and moving hearts. He has conducted interviews with a diverse range of musicians, authors, and cultural figures, including Daryl Hall, James Lee Burke, Warren Haynes, Shemekia Copeland, Matt Nathanson, Stacey Patton, Ruthie Foster, Gregory Harms, and Mark Helprin.
Masciotra challenges convention, and presents an eccentric and engaging viewpoint of the world. He avoids label and escapes category by maintaining a literary sensibility and spiritual orientation in his approach toward the arts, politics, and spirituality. He is currently at work on two books: Faith That Won’t Die – a combination of memoir, cultural criticism, and journalism that gives an insightful gaze into America’s rust belt – and All That We Learned About Livin’: The Art and Legacy of John Mellencamp (forthcoming, University Press of Kentucky) – the first serious study of John Mellencamp’s music and career.
Masciotra lives in Indiana, and teaches literature and political science courses at the University of St. Francis. He is available for speaking dates and can be reached at DavidMasciotra@gmail.com
