Klosterman is an American author, essayist, and cultural critic known for his insightful and often humorous analysis of popular culture. Born in 1972 in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Klosterman grew up on a farm near Wyndmere, North Dakota. This Midwestern upbringing would later influence his perspective on American culture, providing him with a unique vantage point from which to observe and comment on national trends and phenomena.

Klosterman’s educational background laid the foundation for his future career as a writer and cultural commentator. He attended the University of North Dakota, where he studied journalism. During his time at the university, Klosterman wrote for the school newspaper, The Dakota Student, honing his skills as a writer and developing his distinctive voice. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in journalism, setting the stage for his professional career in writing and media analysis.

After graduation, Klosterman began his professional career as a journalist. He worked for several newspapers in North Dakota, including The Forum, where he served as an arts critic. This early experience in journalism provided Klosterman with valuable skills in observing and analyzing cultural trends, which would prove crucial in his later work, including The Nineties.