A Street Cat Named Bob
James Bowen

When James Bowen found an injured, ginger street cat curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet.

Yet James couldn’t resist helping the strikingly intelligent tom cat, whom he quickly christened Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.

Soon the two were inseparable and their diverse, comic and occasionally dangerous adventures would transform both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other’s troubled pasts.

I first came across Bob on This Morning quite a few months ago and as soon as I learnt about the book I knew I had to read it. Being an animal lover I knew instantly that I’d enjoy A Street Cat Named Bob; however I really wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Bob and be touched by James Bowen’s story quite as much as I was.

When James finds Bob, a ginger street cat, his lifestyle leaves no room for anyone or anything. He’s struggling to make money as a busker on the streets of London and he’s on a drug dependency programme as a recovering heroine addict, but having grown up around cats, James feels some responsibility to get Bob healthy again before letting him go. James does reluctantly let him go once he’s better – however Bob has other ideas. He’s found a friend in James and doesn’t plan on going anywhere.

When I started reading A Street Cat Named Bob I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the whole focus of the book isn’t just about the cat. There’s also a lot about James’ life in there, from his childhood to his time spent living in doorways on London’s streets, to his journey of finally becoming 100% drug free. It’s written in a way that beautifully entwines how finding Bob really changed his life, and it’s written without a hint of self pity or a want for sympathy.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Street Cat Named Bob and the story of how one man’s life was changed forever just by having a friend and someone else to think about other than himself. It is completely heartwarming and you’re left with a really good, happy feeling at the end of it all. It’s a fairly simplistic book which doesn’t provide any challenges but with a story like this that really doesn’t matter. Bob isn’t just a cat, he’s a character much like a human. He has his own personality and traits which make the book funny, touching and uplifting all in one, and leaves you completely in love with the cute little tom cat.

Rating: ★★★★★