For the Love of Bob

Bob the Cat: Children's Editions #2

by James Bowen

For the Love of Bob

Genres: Cats, Animals, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2014

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming story which unfolds a person life when met a stray cat that teach him to expect the unexpected.

James Bowen's history life was very undelightful. Everything which is happening very slowly change eversince he met Bob the cat.

His love for Bob are truly aren't comparable to anything. Just like he said, they soulmate.

Reading this keep makes me remember my baby, Lynx...she died few months ago because she was hit by a car...

Until now she keep lingers at my heart. Just like James said, animals had a short life compare to human, I was happy that I managed to cerish all of my love towards Lynx and it will remain forever in my heart.

Best memoir ever read! (The first memoir too!)

Really recomment to cats lovers!

[Alan Steel · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Bob; a Summer's Read

I chose it because I,as a 🐈 owner and a 🐈 lover myself I can identify with the author and as a person with some of the issues that have been touched on. I have never been homeless or penniless, but I can empathize with James. I enjoyed reading your book James and I cannot find fault with it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Those three precious qualities - faith, hope and love - had been missing in my life for a long time. But then all three came along in the mischievous, playful, occasionally grumpy but always devoted cat who helped me turn my life around.”

Not emotionally stable enough for this book. ❤️

[Cranby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most reviews of James Bowen's books say that they are extremely weak from a literary point of view. And this is absolutely true. But now I have a question: "What is more important? Art for art's sake, or the state of the author's soul that he manages to convey to you?" Why are we reading this at all? For what? Of course, ideally, the components of literary talent and deep meaning coincide, but this is already an ideal to strive for.

For me, cats have become a litmus test for determining a stranger. It's enough to find out what his attitude to cats (and cats to him) is, and voilà – he's all in the palm of his hand, no matter how he disguises himself behind a clever disguise. And this book, yes, is only for lovers of cat stories… But how cute!

[Gretchen Cram]

Inspiring

I chose this rating because I learned the bond between an animal and a human touches each of them. It is one more example of ...just plain "love", loving someone or something, showing that you each are loyal to their welfare.

[Barbara Moher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just loving these Bob books . They are so uplifting and such an unusual story about an unusual cat…. I am so glad I found these books! Thank you ,James Bowen for rescuing Bob and sharing your story!

[Maria Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each and every one of these books - I can't get enough of the special bond between James and Bob.

[Dee Howard]

Lovely tale of a friendship between a man who is down in his luck and a cat who he befriends with food and care as they travel the streets selling the Big Issue.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing story!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more concisely written version of Bowen's first two books. Only read the first 20 pages.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the story of Bob. Not quite sure what age the book was aimed at. Also the illustrations were out of sync with the text. Could have done with more or some photos.

[lindyloo P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Having had cats for 50 years and much the same experience as James and bob ,it moved me. To years so many times

[Cheryl A. Breidigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be a cat lover

Although I am! I loved this book from start to finish. Just a well written account of a man and his cat and their remarkable story.

[Jess Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely edition to the story of Bob, very sweet.

[Donna Ater-bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good.

I loved how the caretker took care of Bob.

And I think this was great book.That other people should read it.

[Hedwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Story.

[Tracey Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book ,loved the way it was written and of course love Bob, would definitely recommend this book

[Yani Heyvaerts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mohamed Zaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite inspiring and heart-touching.....

[Holly Alpha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should give this 5 stars ❤️‍🩹

[Carol Felitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

This is a very uplifting book and helps you understand even more the effect pets have on our lives. Bob is a real character and you can't help but love him too.

[M.A. Prins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a self-proclaimed cat-lady-in-training I would fall head first into a bowl of cat treats for Bob. This thoughtful, caring, yet independent fur-ball keeps the reader entertained with his presence on the streets of London.
James Bowen, a guy with a turbulent past, gets "cats."
'Cats find their owners,' he wisely said.
And thank goodness they do, for Bob is a true friend to James.
As James sells copies of the Big Issue (a magazine dedicated to helping the homeless) outside Angel Tube Station, Bob sits, ponders, performs, and naps his way through the spectacle of his ever growing fan base.
It's tough on the streets, luckily James now has a home, but money is tight and so out he goes no matter the weather to make enough money to pay for the essentials in life.
Heat, shelter, and enough food to feed his little family of two. Bob and James.
I adored this story and will read THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BOB.
The only aspect that held this book from a five star review? In my opinion it had been too slickly edited. Rather than skip over certain situations, the book needed more grit, more light, more shade.
More depth.
Neither Bob or James could ever be considered shallow.
If you love cats, or just want a feel good furry story read FOR THE LOVE OF BOB by JAMES BOWEN
Special thanks to Wardini Book Store in Havelock North for recommending this book for me to read.

[Chlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book really well written and explained this has helped me understand homeless the way it was told made me feel for the person living on the streets it really got to me how serious a problem this is that shouldn't be ignored the problem in today's society is people are arrogant and selfish to people who have nothing now whenever i see a homeless person if i can afford it i'll give them a little bit of money It's sick the way people treat homeless people like they need to get a job it's easier said then done people can't always work Even if people are on Benefits they can end up on the streets Benefits don't pay enough to cover bills just enough for food and clothes but not quality 50 pounds a week which is almost nothing most people's weekly bills are about that for 1 person without all the clothes and everything. People should be more aware this story touched my heart and i hope it teaches everyone how it feels and i hope the selfish Arrogant people out there step up a notch and help these people because they never know they might end up in that person's position and need help you'd want help if it was you so help others with however much you can afford.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people start their mornings listening to the radio, others with their exercises or a cup of tea or coffee. Bob and I start ours by playing games together.
The moment I wake up, Bob shuffles out of his bed in the corner of the bedroom, walks over and starts staring at me. Soon after that he starts making a chirruping noise, a bit like a phone.

Brr, brr.

If that doesn't get my full attention, he starts making another noise, slightly more plaintive and pleading.

Waaaah. Waaaah!

Sometimes he places his paws on the side of the mattress and hauls himself up so that he is almost at eye-level with me. He then dabs a paw in my direction.

Don't ignore me! he seems to say. I've been awake for ages and I'm hungry, so where's my breakfast?

If I am too slow to respond, he steps up the charm offensive and does what i call a 'Puss in Boots', like the character in the Shrek movies, and stares wide-eyed at me with his piercing green eyes. It is heartbreakingly cute and totally irresistible. It always makes me smile. And it always works.

[David Pattison · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's not much to add to what other reviewers have said quite nicely. It's a rare thing to find a non-fiction work that's both honest and heartwarming, and this book manages it.

It's good to see that James Bowen doesn't gloss over his experiences while homeless: the ill health, the insecure accommodation, the interfering, deceitful and threatening people, the London mayor.

But Bob is always there to provide an optimistic note, and the nature of his companionship is more genuine than can be provided by most if not all humans.

As is often the case with tales where animals play a central role, there's a tendency to overdo the "he seemed to be saying...", but that's only a minor fault.

Recommended both to cat lovers and to anyone who gives a damn about anybody other than themselves.

[Eileen Tibbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of hope

I read the first book a while ago and shed a few tears. It opened my eyes to the difficulties and despair of those with problems we can't understand. I recently saw the film which was one of the most touching I have seen. Consequently I bought For the love of Bob which carried the honesty of the situation James was coping with. I will always in future buy a copy of the magazine. If these stories give a ray of hope for only A few the stories need to be written

[Jane Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book written in simple sentences, but telling a not-so-simple story. A definitely refreshing read for cat lovers too. Tells of an extraordinary story about a young man who draws strength to deal with his broken life from the unwavering love he got from an injured street cat he nursed back to health.

[Celine Putri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really inspiring story, like how Bob always stayed on James' side. For example, when James got DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Bob stayed by his side, and worried, but still loved James.
A truly touching real story.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read - I didn't realise that it was a simplified version of The World According to Bob until I started to read the latter! So, shelved that one

[Mary Fornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Bob and James have a great relationship.