A prominent scholar of Mormonism and American literature, known for her insightful writings on faith, identity, and culture. She has written several critically acclaimed books and essays that explore the intersection of religion and politics.
Known for her provocative blogs, memoirs, and media commentaries, Joanna Brooks is a prominent American author and professor of English and comparative literature at San Diego State University. Her unique blend of faith, feminism, and intellectual curiosity has made her a sought-after voice on issues related to Mormonism, particularly in the context of women's rights and social justice.
Born on September 29, 1971, Brooks grew up in a devout Mormon family and was educated at Brigham Young University, where she earned a bachelor's degree. She later pursued a PhD from UCLA, which further honed her skills as a scholar and writer.
In 2010, Brooks launched her popular question-and-answer blog, "Ask Mormon Girl," which quickly gained a large following for its unorthodox and refreshingly honest take on Mormon life. Her blog's tagline, "unorthodox answers from an imperfect source," reflected her commitment to challenging traditional Mormon norms and presenting a more nuanced, feminist perspective.
Besides her blog, Brooks has written extensively for various publications, including "Religion Dispatches," where she served as a senior correspondent from 2011 to 2014. Her memoir, "The Book of Mormon Girl: Stories from an American Faith," was self-published in 2012 and later picked up by Simon & Schuster. Brooks' writing has been praised for its engaging storytelling, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Brooks' work often explores the tensions between her Mormon faith and her feminist values. As a self-described "feminist and liberal Mormon," she has challenged the predominantly conservative culture of Mormonism, advocating for greater gender equality and social progress within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 2011, Politico named Brooks one of the "50 politicos to watch" for her influential Twitter feed. She was also recognized as one of the "13 Religious Women to Watch" in 2012 by the Center for American Progress.
Brooks is married to David Kamper and has two daughters. She serves on the board of directors for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the publication of "Shoulder to the Wheel: Resources to Help Latter-day Saints Face Racism" in 2017.
Through her writings, teaching, and public engagements, Joanna Brooks has made a significant impact on the national conversation about faith, feminism, and social justice. Her work has inspired a new generation of Mormon feminists and continues to challenge traditional norms within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
