Let's make this birthday one to remember.

42 years old (Born on July 02, 1983)

Happy birthday, Tao Lin! May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and absolutely zero shoplifting from American Apparel. Your novels like "Taipei" and "Richard Yates" have given us existential crises in the best possible way—thanks for making literary anxiety cool again.

From crafting insightful columns at Vice to exploring life's absurdities through minimalist prose, you've consistently reminded us that humor can coexist beautifully with introspection. Here's hoping this year brings you even more success—and fewer awkward social interactions (though we secretly love reading about them).

Cheers to another year of brilliant writing and delightfully relatable neuroses!