The story on technology: We walk alongside technology, we light in technology, we grieve over technology, we are saved by technology, we bemoan technology's limits, we feel gratitude for technology's power, we lie down surrounded by technology and close our eyes for eternity... Technology burns our bodies, buries us in the earth, then quickly moves on. Technology is busy. Technology doesn't have time to look back to the past. Technology has no need for our memories.

Our modern society has so idolized technology that it does feel like it's taking over all our thoughts - it's our savior, it's a bubble, it's a great achievement, it's a scam. I think technology should be seen as purely a tool, but it's interesting how we basically incorporate it into our identity, dreams, etc.

By going to the extremes in these stories, Aoko Matsuda encourages us to step back and reevaluate everyday things!

“to drink from the armpits and the chests of mortals”

I rebuke this phrase

always hard to read descriptions of war, especially now. Free Palestine

I heard on a podcast recently that no one reads short stories except other writers. Is this true? What do you think?

I enjoy reading short fiction, but I'm also a writer, so there's that lol. Interested in hearing from readers.

Alix Harrow defends short stories in this discussion, which I appreciated! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViAvHPHgcSk

How do you guys choose what to put in the Your Taste section?

I've kind of gone for all-time favourites before, now I'm thinking of making it more recent favourites, nut I'm weirdly indecisive on it. Do you guys try to reflect different genres you like? Let's chat.

Hi! Do you have reading buddies? Two weeks ago I visited my grandparents. We have this kind of tradition that when I stay over, we wake up around 6:30 and drink coffee together and talk about books. I never realized that it became “our thing”. Until now. If I remember correctly, around last year, my grandma saw the book I was reading and asked me about. And suddenly, we were borrowing each other's books. And soon enough, my grandad also joined! So, now, they are my reading buddies! I mean, it fits to call them that, right? That same weekend I stayed over, we went to a bookstore that we wanted to visit. We bought a Banana Yoshimoto book. Can’t wait to read it with them. My grandma has already finished, next is my grandad's turn… Also, I can't wait for this year's book fair in my city. It’s one of the biggest book fairs in the world! I am really excited! I will buy tons of books to read with my buddies (my grandparents). I believe it gets me excited, because not many people around my age still have both of their grandparents with them. I consider myself lucky. Having reading buddies is the be