A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life Hardcover – July 30, 2013

As someone who has only lately arrived as a cat person, I found this book very enjoyable. Cats are caring and intuitive companions, and Bob is a perfect example of that. He's serious and silly, goofy and wise, and very loving while still maintaining boundaries. Cats aren't pets, they're partners.

A Street Cat Named Bob by new author James Bowen is the most heart-warming book I've read since Vickie Myron's Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World. Bowen's story of his misadventures, mistakes, culminating with his falling through the cracks of modern society and ultimately his rescue by new-found friend Bob is the epitome of the modern fairy tale. Instead of the knight in shining armor saving the day, salvation comes from the most humble and unexpected place. Bob is a Frodo for animal lovers everywhere.Without giving away the entire book, James is a man who grew up in England and in Australia. He had a rough childhood because of moving so much and this created in him many difficulties in socializing normally. This drove him ultimately away from family and into drugs and, as is often the case in these situations, the streets. Along the way he made a few attempts to save himself but never could. That is until a cat named Bob showed up on his doorstep. This new friendship proved to be the spark that got him back on his feet ultimately.The anecdotes that Bowen gives make me reminisce about my own cats through the years as well the general adventures that all pet owners experience when they have a good relationship with their quadruped friends. This journey not only documents a beautiful and epitomizing modern-day fairy tale come-true but also strays in a political direction. I felt it shows how social programs that provide a hand-up are better than those that just give a hand-out. That is my thought, not necessarily the author's. All around, this was one very heartwarming adventure.I strongly recommend this book and give a five star rating. The Kindle edition which I read seemed almost entirely typo-free with but one exception that I noticed. The book reads fast and should appeal to all cat lovers, most pet lovers and anyone who is a fan of the triumph of friendship and the human err... feline spirit. If you buy no other book this month, buy this one!

I had recently read Cat Sense, and was planning to save this book for a later date. But I was ill and feeling pretty low, and looking for something to cheer me, so I picked up A Street Cat Named Bob. It is a sweet story of a man, somewhat down on his luck, who opens his heart to another creature, also down on his luck, and is repaid a thousandfold with a rewarding relationship with an extraordinary animal. On the way, he learns that he can find redemption by the simple act of giving to another. The "Bobs" of this world ask relatively little and bring so much joy. And the more selfless you are with them, the more they give. I couldn't help but root for James and Bob to flourish in a world that can often be cold and alienating, especially for those who don't take the safest or most predictable of paths. Bowen really lets you into his world, and the world of his dear inscrutable little friend. Everyone who is lucky enough to have had a special pet who has tugged at his heart will relate to the story of James and Bob. You can't ask much more of a book of this kind.

I can definitely say that this was an amazing story to read and learn from. First of all, how it is that a pet can help a human being in such a way that changes our lives, in a good way. Besides, I run into so many new words that I can only guess their meaning by their context. This is one of the best ways to learn new words. I am not that familiar with the British lexicon. I really liked and enjoyed learning so many new terms they use--now I am a little more familiar with them.So, the bottom line for me. Interestingly, we may not be interested in learning about a drug addict and how they may be able to get clean but we are very much interested in learning about an amazing cat--that somehow, is out of the norm. I can see Bob was not a normal cat--he was a very special cat indeed. I always have cats at home and I can attest that each one of them has a very unique behavior that makes them special. I also learned a bit about ginger cats--as I too have one. In fact, he looks just like Bob too.Now looking forward to starting my other two books about this amazing Bob cat. However, the book was very different (better) from the movie. I strongly recommend you read the book, you will love it.

What a beautiful story!! I fell in love with Bob and James. They were meant to be together. If you love cats you must read this book.

What a grand "tail"!! As the mother of four Bob's, I know how unique gingers are. It seems Bob is one of the very best if not THE best!!

cried a lot while reading this book. Well written. great story, but have tissues close by.