I Like Your Books
I Like Your Books - fact Summary
Chinaski as Narrator
The poem presents Bukowski’s alter ego Henry Chinaski at a racetrack where a well-meaning fan recognizes him and chatters about horses. Chinaski replies with bluntness and a curt rule—"it’s the kiss of death to talk about horses at the track"—then watches the man leave, noting he loses readers regularly. The piece sketches Bukowski’s persona: irritable, candid, amused by his own social disposability.
Read Complete AnalysesIn the betting line the other day man behind me asked, "are you Henry Chinaski?" "uh huh," I answered. "I like your books," he went on. "thanks," I answered. "who do you like in this race?" he asked. "uh uh," I answered. "I like the 4 horse," he told me. I made my bet and went back to my seat…. The next race I am standing in line and here is this same man standing behind me again. There are at least 50 lines at the windows but he has to find mine again. "I think this race favors the closers," he said to the back of my neck. "the track looks heavy." "listen," I said, not looking around, "it's the kiss of death to talk about horses at the track…" "what kind of rule is that?" he asked. "God doesn't make rules…" I turned around and looked at him: "maybe not, but I do." After the next race I got in line, glanced behind me: He was not there: lost another reader. I lose 2 or 3 each week. Fine. Let 'em go back to Kafka.
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