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Street Cat Bob: How one man and a cat saved each other's lives. A true story.
When James Bowen found an injured, street cat in the hallway of his sheltered housing, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James had been living on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet.
Yet James couldn't resist the clever tom cat, whom he quickly named Bob. Soon the two were best friends, and their funny and sometimes dangerous adventures would change both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts.
STREET CAT BOB is a moving and uplifting story that will touch the heart of anyone who reads it.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2015
21 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
James Bowen
75 books1,074 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Bowen is an author and musician currently based in London. He is author of A Street Cat Named Bob, which tells his life story.
James Bowen was born in Surrey in 1979. Following his parents’ divorce, he moved to Australia with his mother and stepfather. Home life was tense and, because the family moved frequently, James was unsettled at school. He was frequently bullied, and began sniffing glue while still in education, becoming a self-confessed “tearaway kid” who would later be diagnosed with ADHD, schizophrenia and manic depression. In 1997 he returned to the UK and lived with his half-sister, but this arrangement did not last; in time, he became homeless and began sleeping on the streets. From this point, James spent almost 10 years either sleeping rough or staying briefly in charity-run shelters; it was during this time that he began to use heroin in an attempt to escape the realities of homelessness.
In Spring 2007, James was enrolled on a methadone programme, busking in Covent Garden, and living in sheltered accommodation in Tottenham. One evening he returned home to find a ginger cat in the hallway of his building; assuming it belonged to another resident, he simply returned to his flat. When the cat was still there the following day, and the day after that, James became concerned and discovered the cat was wearing no collar or ID tag, and had an infected wound on his leg. James checked with other residents to see if the stray belonged to any of them, and when none of them claimed ownership of the animal James decided to help the cat himself.
He took the cat to a nearby veterinary surgery run by an animal charity, which provided antibiotics to treat the infected wound. In order to make sure he received the full two-week course of medication, James decided to take him in for a time while he continued to look for the stray’s owner. When he couldn’t find any information, he released the cat back on to the street, hoping he’d find his own way home. Instead, he began to follow James around, even following him onto the bus when he left to go busking. Concerned that the cat had nowhere else to go, James took him in on a permanent basis, naming him Bob after a character from the television drama Twin Peaks.[3]
Since Bob seemed keen to accompany James to work, he constructed a harness from shoelaces and began to bring him along to his regular spots in Covent Garden and Piccadilly, travelling in the window seat of the number 73 bus. The public reaction was positive and the pair became popular, their visibility increasing still further when James began selling the Big Issue. Soon the public began uploading videos of James and Bob to YouTube, and tourists from across the world would visit Covent Garden to see them. During this time, James decided to withdraw the methadone treatment; he credits his success to Bob, saying “I believe it came down to this little man. He came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body. He is what I wake up for every day now... he’s definitely given me the right direction to live my life.”
In time, James and Bob’s public appearances attracted the attention of Mary Pachnos, the literary agent responsible for the UK rights to John Grogan’s Marley and Me, who secured the pair a book deal with the publishers Hodder & Stoughton after she heard their story. The book was co-written by Garry Jenkins, and since its publication has sold over 250,000 copies, been translated into 22 languages and spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Sunday Times’ bestseller list in both its hardback and paperback format.
As of November 2012, two further books were at the planning stage - a follow-up to A Street Cat Named Bob, and a version of the book for children.
James Bowen is an author and musician currently based in London. He is author of A Street Cat Named Bob, which tells his life story.
James Bowen was born in Surrey in 1979. Following his parents’ divorce, he moved to Australia with his mother and stepfather. Home life was tense and, because the family moved frequently, James was unsettled at school. He was frequently bullied, and began sniffing glue while still in education, becoming a self-confessed “tearaway kid” who would later be diagnosed with ADHD, schizophrenia and manic depression. In 1997 he returned to the UK and lived with his half-sister, but this arrangement did not last; in time, he became homeless and began sleeping on the streets. From this point, James spent almost 10 years either sleeping rough or staying briefly in charity-run shelters; it was during this time that he began to use heroin in an attempt to escape the realities of homelessness.
In Spring 2007, James was enrolled on a methadone programme, busking in Covent Garden, and living in sheltered accommodation in Tottenham. One evening he returned home to find a ginger cat in the hallway of his building; assuming it belonged to another resident, he simply returned to his flat. When the cat was still there the following day, and the day after that, James became concerned and discovered the cat was wearing no collar or ID tag, and had an infected wound on his leg. James checked with other residents to see if the stray belonged to any of them, and when none of them claimed ownership of the animal James decided to help the cat himself.
He took the cat to a nearby veterinary surgery run by an animal charity, which provided antibiotics to treat the infected wound. In order to make sure he received the full two-week course of medication, James decided to take him in for a time while he continued to look for the stray’s owner. When he couldn’t find any information, he released the cat back on to the street, hoping he’d find his own way home. Instead, he began to follow James around, even following him onto the bus when he left to go busking. Concerned that the cat had nowhere else to go, James took him in on a permanent basis, naming him Bob after a character from the television drama Twin Peaks.[3]
Since Bob seemed keen to accompany James to work, he constructed a harness from shoelaces and began to bring him along to his regular spots in Covent Garden and Piccadilly, travelling in the window seat of the number 73 bus. The public reaction was positive and the pair became popular, their visibility increasing still further when James began selling the Big Issue. Soon the public began uploading videos of James and Bob to YouTube, and tourists from across the world would visit Covent Garden to see them. During this time, James decided to withdraw the methadone treatment; he credits his success to Bob, saying “I believe it came down to this little man. He came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body. He is what I wake up for every day now... he’s definitely given me the right direction to live my life.”
In time, James and Bob’s public appearances attracted the attention of Mary Pachnos, the literary agent responsible for the UK rights to John Grogan’s Marley and Me, who secured the pair a book deal with the publishers Hodder & Stoughton after she heard their story. The book was co-written by Garry Jenkins, and since its publication has sold over 250,000 copies, been translated into 22 languages and spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Sunday Times’ bestseller list in both its hardback and paperback format.
As of November 2012, two further books were at the planning stage - a follow-up to A Street Cat Named Bob, and a version of the book for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 24, 2016
I very much enjoyed this quick reads version of the bestseller following James and his beloved ginger cat Bob. Whilst in the midst of drug addiction, James is found by a stray cat (note, the cat found him!) and the two form a firm friendship. Throughout James' recovery process the duo go through good and bad times. I liked the fact James didn't make excuses for his situation and had the courage to break out of the dangerous cycle of addiction.
A heartwarming tale of the bond between a man and his kitty.
A heartwarming tale of the bond between a man and his kitty.
November 18, 2015
A good story that I enjoyed very much. It is about a man named James who one day spots a ginger cat on his way up to his flat. At first he assumes it belongs to somebody but when he sees that the cat is injured he takes it in. He names the cat Bob and it is the start of the two of them becoming friends.
When you read this you see that the story isn't just about Bob. You learn a lot about James, who has had a lot of problems in his life from being homeless to taking drugs. You see when reading this that Bob brings a lot to James's life.
I can relate a little to this story as I remember when I was a child that we had a stray cat turn up at our house. We took him in and had many happy years with him. It just shows you how good animals can be for you. This is only a short story that was easy to read. I would recommend this to anybody.
When you read this you see that the story isn't just about Bob. You learn a lot about James, who has had a lot of problems in his life from being homeless to taking drugs. You see when reading this that Bob brings a lot to James's life.
I can relate a little to this story as I remember when I was a child that we had a stray cat turn up at our house. We took him in and had many happy years with him. It just shows you how good animals can be for you. This is only a short story that was easy to read. I would recommend this to anybody.
July 15, 2020
When James Bowen found an injured, street cat in the hallway of his sheltered housing, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James had been living on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet.
Yet James couldn't resist the clever tom cat, whom he quickly named Bob. Soon the two were best friends, and their funny and sometimes dangerous adventures would change both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts.
Yet James couldn't resist the clever tom cat, whom he quickly named Bob. Soon the two were best friends, and their funny and sometimes dangerous adventures would change both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts.
April 5, 2015
This is a quick read book about a Street Cat called Bob and his owner James Bowen.This book is lovely it about how a man and his pet can change each others lifes James had a trouble life moving from the UK to Australia when his parents marrage broke up. James got into Drugs and than he got to be picked of the streets by a charity which his drugs intake got worse slowly James got himself better and went onto a methadone and moved into a flat. One night when he came home from busking on the streets in London he met Bob, Soon Bob and James became friends and would both go busking with Bob on a lead, The two became very good friends and would help each other though hard times. Bob would get more money for James when they where busking untill James got caught for busking. People would give Bob gifts as well as money when they were both out.
July 15, 2016
This book was first recommended to me by my mother, who I will assume read the full version and not the quick read. As this was one of the books I read for Dewey's 24 hour readathon (October 2015) the fact that is was a quick read was perfect. I loved the book (and Bob), and it really gave me a new perspective of life. Especially the life of people in situations much like James', the way they are treated and met by the general population. The book almost made me cry several times (can't help that it is the end of a 24 hour readathon), but I would really recommend it. This quick read was great if you don't have time to, or for other reasons can't, dig in to the full version. I have no idea how the full version would be, but I assume just as good. The story of Bob, and how he affected his owner and other people around him goes straight to the heart, at least my heart!
February 21, 2016
Such a wonderful story, was sceptical at first... But picked up this quick read and fell in love with Bob probably like millions of others. Such a lovely story about a man struggling and cat struggling but together they are strong.
Will defiantly be getting the full book and the rest of the stories about Bob!
Will defiantly be getting the full book and the rest of the stories about Bob!
February 1, 2019
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**
A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen, narrated by Kristopher Milnes is about a man and his cat, and how they saved each other's lives physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you have a pet that you adore or are an animal lover, this audiobook is for you, as you will have no problem relating to the feelings and emotions of the author. Like James, my rescue kitty, BooBoo, is also my baby, and I love her like she is my child. Regardless if you recused your pet or not, I'm sure all of us (pet owners) agree with this saying: "I wouldn't be the person I am today if (your pet's name) wasn't in my life." Yes? We each have our own unique story of how we became bffs with our furry friends. James' story, though, was a little different in the sense that Bob, his cat, rescued him, too, and helped nurse him back to health; James is a recovering drug addict. Through this heartfelt, and sometimes funny, story you will experience the journey from the beginning and learn how James and Bob's immediate bond, love, and trust for one another made them both who they are today.
The narration by Kristopher Milnes was excellent! He brought an authentic feel to the story that we don't often hear. I feel bad, but it wasn't until I was about half way through the book that I realized he was not James! The feeling he put into the performance made me think this was the author, himself. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Milnes; he added to my overall experience and enjoyment of the book.
A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen, narrated by Kristopher Milnes gets a deserving 5 out of 5 stars. It is one that will stick with you long after you are finished because you will find yourself reflecting and reminiscing on your own life with your pet. I highly recommend this to animal lovers, caring pet owners, and those who are looking for stories of hope and inspiration.
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)
A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen, narrated by Kristopher Milnes is about a man and his cat, and how they saved each other's lives physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you have a pet that you adore or are an animal lover, this audiobook is for you, as you will have no problem relating to the feelings and emotions of the author. Like James, my rescue kitty, BooBoo, is also my baby, and I love her like she is my child. Regardless if you recused your pet or not, I'm sure all of us (pet owners) agree with this saying: "I wouldn't be the person I am today if (your pet's name) wasn't in my life." Yes? We each have our own unique story of how we became bffs with our furry friends. James' story, though, was a little different in the sense that Bob, his cat, rescued him, too, and helped nurse him back to health; James is a recovering drug addict. Through this heartfelt, and sometimes funny, story you will experience the journey from the beginning and learn how James and Bob's immediate bond, love, and trust for one another made them both who they are today.
The narration by Kristopher Milnes was excellent! He brought an authentic feel to the story that we don't often hear. I feel bad, but it wasn't until I was about half way through the book that I realized he was not James! The feeling he put into the performance made me think this was the author, himself. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Milnes; he added to my overall experience and enjoyment of the book.
A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life by James Bowen, narrated by Kristopher Milnes gets a deserving 5 out of 5 stars. It is one that will stick with you long after you are finished because you will find yourself reflecting and reminiscing on your own life with your pet. I highly recommend this to animal lovers, caring pet owners, and those who are looking for stories of hope and inspiration.
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening! :-)
November 10, 2021
3.5 I listened to an abridged version of this. It was a nice book. I like cats.
I'll also add that this book was suggested to me by my neighbor who just recently passed away. So, it reminded me of her. :-)
I'll also add that this book was suggested to me by my neighbor who just recently passed away. So, it reminded me of her. :-)
October 28, 2017
Heartwarming. The book to read before surgery
January 3, 2017
I love Bob. This book really hits home, because you see James before bob and after bob. you see how he changes from looking after himself, to looking after someone else. In turn - I feel like James has became a parent and with that some maturity. I like the trust that Bob has for James earlier on. event though a dog tries to attack bob, he uses his intelligence to go all the way to Belle's flat. You can see in this book James always reflects back on his life and his childhood. He always appreciate what's happening to him. Great book for a fast read. Dialogue is interesting, and other people's behavior is displayed quite well.
December 2, 2015
A lovely wee introduction to street cat Bob and his loving owner James Bowen. Very honest portrayal of how one special cat changed a recovering drug addicts life. I loved how James spoke of his need to protect Bob, how they looked out for each other, how Bob didn't leave his side when he was experiencing horrendous withdrawal symptoms. They definitely seem to be soul mates!
January 1, 2016
A totally amazing book! I was so engaged reading it, I almost felt the emotions described by James - I laughed from funny bits and cried because of the moving ones. This story really touches your heart, it's beautiful, clever, warm and it brings hope for everyone looking for change of their fate. A must-read!
January 30, 2017
A dear friend gave me this book and I really love it!
It's amazing how a street cat changed Bob's life!
A cat can make your life better only with their presence and purring!
Recommended for cat lovers, for those who believe in second chances and for who loves to read! :D
It's amazing how a street cat changed Bob's life!
A cat can make your life better only with their presence and purring!
Recommended for cat lovers, for those who believe in second chances and for who loves to read! :D
August 15, 2015
Amazing! I'm now in love with Bob! Hopefully this book will show other people who maybe don't have a cat their close to, that cats really can become your best friend. The whole way through the book I was so worried Bob would die!
November 11, 2015
Picked this up in the college library; read it over the course of one day in the spaces between Biopsychology and Behavioural Science lectures, essay rewrites, and trips to the coffee machine.
It was pretty cute; definitely put me in a better mood. Probably helps that I'm a cat person.
It was pretty cute; definitely put me in a better mood. Probably helps that I'm a cat person.
June 26, 2016
Really good read
I really enjoyed reading this I was told it was a good book and now I have read it I can't believe how well its written and you get encapsuled in there high and lows along their way
I really enjoyed reading this I was told it was a good book and now I have read it I can't believe how well its written and you get encapsuled in there high and lows along their way
February 5, 2017
What a great story about the bond between a car named Bob and the man who needed him! James is a former homeless drug addict who found meaning in life when Bob became a part of his life. I loved it!
March 17, 2017
A lovely account of how a pet really can change your life (for the better).
An easy to read true story which I was perfectly able to read in a day, and was disappointed when the book came to the end as it left me wanting to read more
An easy to read true story which I was perfectly able to read in a day, and was disappointed when the book came to the end as it left me wanting to read more
June 17, 2015
An amazingly heart-warming tale that put a smile on my face. It's lovely to see how one man and one animal can have such an impact on each other.
August 17, 2015
Quite a cute book. A little overly cheesey at the end though :P
May 25, 2017
Great
A good read. I really enjoyed this book and I'd highly recommend it to other people to read. Good book.
A good read. I really enjoyed this book and I'd highly recommend it to other people to read. Good book.
August 14, 2016
Amazing
I loved reading this book. It really gave a true insight into the world of being homeless and the struggle that comes with it .
I loved reading this book. It really gave a true insight into the world of being homeless and the struggle that comes with it .
January 6, 2017
It was an ideal book to read on holiday. I enjoyed it simplicity and frankness. It reminded me that how often we can actually do more than we imagine.
February 4, 2017
A real heart warming story where a cat helps give a sheltered housing man and addict hope for better things and a focus in life. Want to see the film now!
February 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this story it was well written
May 5, 2017
what a lovely quick and a truely inspirational story. The love that can be shared between a human and a animal can be priceless and this story shows that.
April 25, 2021
Nämen den är så gullig och handlar verkligen om mer än bara en katt!
December 30, 2018
A very sweet book about a man and his cat, which expresses in a real way the healing power of pets. Uplifting, interesting and easy to read.
May 20, 2018
It was just an AMAZING story! I was in tears when I read the part of James meeting with his mother,telling her how did ever come to he that he lost his passport and couldn’t go back to Australia and also about the addiction. It was just so good to read them.
Actually,it wasn’t my first time to read this book. In 2015, I just happened to read his book in Chinese translation and I was apparently moved by James’ story with his Bobcat and the life he shared with his amazing mate. In 2016,a movie about he and Bob was out l. I also watched the movie and it was good as the book.
Today,I just finished this book in English. I couldn’t tell you how good James’ writing and storytelling is,but one thing that I know for sure is that James and Bob has got their second chance for a better life.
Actually,it wasn’t my first time to read this book. In 2015, I just happened to read his book in Chinese translation and I was apparently moved by James’ story with his Bobcat and the life he shared with his amazing mate. In 2016,a movie about he and Bob was out l. I also watched the movie and it was good as the book.
Today,I just finished this book in English. I couldn’t tell you how good James’ writing and storytelling is,but one thing that I know for sure is that James and Bob has got their second chance for a better life.
June 1, 2021
This book is a true story. I didn't know that when I started reading this. The thing about real life, is it's not all nicely executed by an author. Real life is real and things get in the way or get boring.
So throughout reading this I found sections that were all about James a little boring. But all of that about James had to have happened for the wonderfulness that bloomed between James and Bob.
This book challenged my view points on people and most importantly the book changed how I think about myself.
So throughout reading this I found sections that were all about James a little boring. But all of that about James had to have happened for the wonderfulness that bloomed between James and Bob.
This book challenged my view points on people and most importantly the book changed how I think about myself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews