The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction

Ursula K. Le Guin

Date Finished: Feb 22, 2026
First Sentence: In the temperate and tropical regions where it appears that hominids evolved into human beings, the principal food of the species was vegetable.
Last Sentence: Still, there are seeds to be gathered, and room in the bag of stars.

Companion Album:

Bought this physically so I can reread and reference it whenever I want. It’s the kind of essay that makes me want to read more essays and try to write my own. It's funny, poignant, and short. I think everyone should read it (you can for free here).

Cover Notes:

Simple one this time: I traced this image of wild oats and kept the type just a straight-up Times New Roman. I felt the simplicity speaks to Le Guin's point.