Author: James Bowen
First published: 2012
Published by: Hodder and Stoughton
I first came across James Bowen and his remarkable street cat the same
way many others did – I saw them. Admittedly I didn’t see them busking in
Covent Garden, I saw a picture in the back of Bookseller magazine, but there is
definitely something about Bob that makes you look twice.
This is the true story of a man who lived hand-to-mouth in London and
the injured cat he nursed back to health. James and Bob made a name for
themselves on the streets, first busking and then selling Big Issue, and before they knew it
(literally), they had an online following.
A Street Cat Named Bob is definitely one for cat lovers. Not only will
you be able to recognise Bob’s feline idiosyncrasies, you will also pick up
some handy cat-care tips along the way. Did you know that cats can develop an
addiction to catnip? Nor did I.
| Bob promoting his new book. |
I also learnt a thing or two about heroin addiction, as author James
tells the story of how he turned his life around and kicked his drug habit –
and he has no qualms attributing this largely to his new friend Bob.
The well-intentioned characters make this a very loveable book, and
their story is all the more engaging for being true. It hasn’t been a bed of
roses for James and Bob, but the way they deal with their problems – by simply
caring for each other – warms the heart.
A Street Cat Named Bob will leave you with a fuzzy feeling inside and
you’ll probably reach over to give your own moggy a cuddle – and then knit him
a scarf.
You can see more of Bob on youtube, and his tale will be published in
paperback on 13 September.
