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

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 24,446 ratings

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The Instant New York Times bestseller! A Street Cat Named Bob is now a major motion picture, the film’s all-star cast includes Luke Treadway (Unbroken, Clash of the Titans), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), and Ruta Gedmintas (The Borgias).

James is a street musician struggling to make ends meet.
Bob is a stray cat looking for somewhere warm to sleep.

When James and Bob meet, they forge a never-to-be-forgotten friendship that has been charming readers from Thailand to Turkey.

A Street Cat Named Bob is an international sensation, landing on the bestseller list in England for 52 consecutive weeks and selling in 26 countries around the world.

When street musician James Bowen found an injured cat curled up in the hallway of his apartment building, he had no idea how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London, barely making enough money to feed himself, and the last thing he needed was a pet. Yet James couldn't resist helping the strikingly intelligent but very sick animal, whom he named Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining that he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.

This instant classic about the power of love between man and animal has taken the world by storm and is a perfect gift book for cat lovers.

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Books abound on the subject of how a dog or a cat can rehabilitate a person’s life, but this account of such an event is stellar. Only a heart of stone will not be moved—even to tears—in bearing witness to the love of a London street musician for the gorgeous ginger tomcat he found one day in his apartment building hallway. The cat, soon called Bob, was injured, so Bowen took him in but planned to nurse him only for a short while. After all, so Bowen’s reasoning went, he had very little surplus money to feed another mouth, and Bob, a “man” of the streets, would undoubtedly soon tire of domesticity and one day run away to hit the streets again. But that never happened. Bowen was a recovering addict and was himself recently just off the streets, and he soon established an intensely simpatico relationship with Bob. He fixed Bob up—and fixed Bob—and took him with him every day as he played guitar at the usual corner spots he’d claimed for himself. Bob became an instant attraction, and the result was increased income for Bowen as more money was tossed into his guitar case. This is a beautiful, never maudlin story of second chances for both man and beast and a poignant testimony to how much caring for someone—or some feline—can give you renewed direction when you’re down and out. Understandably, this was a best-seller when first published in Great Britain. --Brad Hooper

Review

“Stellar...A beautiful, never maudlin story of second chances for both man and beast and a poignant testimony to how much caring for someone -- or some feline -- can give you renewed direction where you're down and out. Understandably, this was a best-seller in England.” ―Booklist (starred)

“A rich, moving story of the link between a street-wise cat and a man who earns his living on the streets―perfect for cat lovers.” ―
Kirkus

“Move over, Marley. A stray cat from north London could be heading for the lap of luxury as the cinema's next box office pet sensation.” ―
The Times (UK)

“A simple, sweet and ridiculously heartwarming story.” ―
The Huffington Post

“A book with the strong ingredients that made Marley and Me and Dewey big successes…A warm and poignant memoir.” ―
The Guardian (UK)

“A Street Cat Named Bob has sold over 350,000 copies in the UK, and has been published in 25 languages.” ―
The Independent (UK)

“An instantly bestselling memoir that, besides its heartwarming tale of their friendship, offers an insight into the injustice of life on the streets.” ―
The Times (UK)

“Fans . . . queued around the block at James and Bob's first signing. The purrfectly behaved Bob signed an impressive 180 books in just two hours.” ―
Bookseller (UK)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1250029465
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Dunne Books (July 30, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781250029461
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250029461
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 24,446 ratings

About the author

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James Bowen
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James Bowen (born 15 March 1979, Surrey) is an author and busker based in London. His books A Street Cat Named Bob ,The World According to Bob and A Gift From Bob, written with the help of author Garry Jenkins were international best-sellers, He now dedicates his time to help Numerous Charities that involve Homelessness, Literacy & Animal Welfare.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Jamesandbobltd (it is my image) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
24,446 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story amazing and enjoyable. They describe it as heartwarming, inspiring, and straightforward. Readers appreciate the humor and authenticity of the book. They enjoy reading about Bob's personality and cleverness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,567 customers mention "Story quality"1,544 positive23 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it an amazing and enjoyable read with relatable characters and settings. Readers appreciate the author's honest reflections on people. The book is described as a sweet, successful story with adventure and a magic message.

"This is especially good if you love cats. A very sweet story that will make your heart thump !!" Read more

"I can definitely say that this was an amazing story to read and learn from...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...Best old boy ever! The story and writing is excellent. Worth a read if like cats" Read more

802 customers mention "Heartwarming story"793 positive9 negative

Customers find the story touching and inspiring. They describe it as a feel-good book with emotional stories about cats. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and how he is a good soul trying to make a better life for himself.

"...A very sweet story that will make your heart thump !!" Read more

"great reading I love stories about cats this one was so touching." Read more

"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..." Read more

"...to learn or read more about the power of animals and their healing power in our lives." Read more

407 customers mention "Readability"366 positive41 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the straightforward, concise writing style that keeps them turning the pages. The story is told in a straightforward yet page-turning way. The book provides an effective way to learn new words and describe the plight of the homeless.

"...This is one of the best ways to learn new words. I am not that familiar with the British lexicon...." Read more

"...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......" Read more

"Very good book. Easy to read and a adorable story. I love it. I will order the rest of the set too." Read more

"...James and Bob have been remarkably blessed to have the help of a talented publisher who has captured the affectionate bond between them that..." Read more

247 customers mention "Humor"244 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it delightful and interesting, with a true account of the life of a stray ginger tom-cat as a backdrop. The story is entertaining, making readers smile and laugh. It's an inspirational feel-good story that will make you laugh and cry.

"...This journey not only documents a beautiful and epitomizing modern-day fairy tale come-true but also strays in a political direction...." Read more

"...This time traveling far away from home I saw the book with a catchy picture of Bob traveling on the shoulders of his best friend and I was hooked...." Read more

"...The book is factual, loving, sensitive, heartfelt, self deprecating in such a humble way, I would defy anyone not to fall in love with James and Bob..." Read more

"This book was fun and easy to read." Read more

96 customers mention "Authenticity"93 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find the story honest, factual, and emotional. Readers appreciate the author's sincerity and the lessons he learned. The book is described as a heartwarming account of one man and his feline companion.

"Great story about James and his cat, Bob. It's a feel good book with a few emotional stories." Read more

"Told with heart and honesty by a recovering addict whose life was turned around by a cat, someone who needed him, gave him purpose and let him know..." Read more

"...The book is factual, loving, sensitive, heartfelt, self deprecating in such a humble way, I would defy anyone not to fall in love with James and Bob..." Read more

"...he is barely able to take care of, or provide for himself, extremely convincingly...." Read more

85 customers mention "Personality"85 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find the cat and man sympathetic and down-to-earth. The book is a fun read for cat lovers and admirers of the human spirit.

"...James is really brave and is an honest man with a very gentle heart. This is probably what Bob has seen it in him too...." Read more

"It was a fun read. Enjoyed the characters and the settings. I am a cat lover and understand how smart they are." Read more

"...and James, while a little on the whiny side at times, seems like a decent guy...." Read more

"Great story about James and his cat, Bob. It's a feel good book with a few emotional stories." Read more

59 customers mention "Bonding"59 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the bond between the cat and its owner. They find the connection amazing and inseparable. The emotional connection and understanding displayed throughout the book is appreciated.

"Heartwarming. A story of love, companionship and the strength to overcome extreme hardship." Read more

"...and this act of kindness and sacrifice is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...." Read more

"...about the goodness that lives in every person and the power of connection to a sentient being that can lift even the most desolate out of the..." Read more

"You don’t need to love cats to totally enjoy this book. It’s the incredible bond and belief in total love and companionship that makes this book a..." Read more

49 customers mention "Insight"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and relatable. They appreciate its portrayal of the realities of homelessness and how pets can impact lives positively. The book touches hearts and souls around the world, showing how pets can help those in need.

"...those books however is this marvelously intimate and heartwarming perspective on homelessness and redemption that you get in James Bowen's book." Read more

"...This book is refreshing and is capable of touching the hearts and souls of millions around the world...." Read more

"...It really emphasized the invisibility of the homeless in cities, and the importance of having someone and something to be responsible for...." Read more

"...I am delighted to have found another moggy-loving Brit. It's such a great example of how animals change lives for the better with their love,..." Read more

Bob was an amazing cat indeed!
5 out of 5 stars
Bob was an amazing cat indeed!
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.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    This is especially good if you love cats. A very sweet story that will make your heart thump !!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    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.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bob was an amazing cat indeed!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    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.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2013
    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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    I may be a little prejudice. I once took in a painfully sad excuse for a yellow cat. Best old boy ever!
    The story and writing is excellent. Worth a read if like cats
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    great reading I love stories about cats this one was so touching.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2012
    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!
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2024
    If you love cats, then this is the book for you. A great read
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2024
    This was an enjoyable autobiography and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn or read more about the power of animals and their healing power in our lives.

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • ANDRE RAICA SILVA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 11, 2024
    Muito interessante
  • Christinn Adree
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great funny and heart warming story
    Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2024
    I can recommend this book as a nice, cozy read. Won't give away any more.
  • Hilda Puente
    5.0 out of 5 stars According to offered
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 10, 2021
    The font size is big enough to a comfortable reading, completely new and nice edition.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tierno a más no poder
    Reviewed in Spain on September 15, 2022
    Libro pequeñito, de tapa blanda, pero muy fácil de leer. La lectura en sí es una delicia. Si sabes inglés y eres amante de los gatos, este libro es de lectura obligatoria.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Commovente
    Reviewed in Italy on September 7, 2022
    Storia commovente. Ho vissuto a Londra ed è stato bellissimo rivivere alcuni luoghi. Libro che emoziona e coinvolge, specialmente se ami gli animali.