by Lorie Lewis Ham
Details on how to win copies of both Bob the Cat books at the end of this review, along with a link to purchase the books.
Recently a friend introduced me to Bob The Cat, probably the most famous cat out there right now besides Grumpy Cat, especially in the UK. There are two full length books about this amazing cat–A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life, and then the more recent release of The World According to Bob. Both are written by Bob’s owner James Bowen. These books are now on the top of my list for favorite books ever!
James Bowen was a homeless musician and recovering addict in London when he was “adopted” by a homeless cat named Bob who completely turned his life around. This Ginger Tom cat is now known all over the world.
The first book tells the story of how they met and how Bob changed James’ life. Suddenly James had someone who loved him unconditionally and who depended on him — this was the push he needed to truly get his life together. Bob also attracted people to James’ music when he was playing on the street which helped him make more money to support them, and later he did the same when James was selling a newspaper specially designed for the homeless to sell to help them get on their feet. Bob was magic and everyone loved him and even started bringing him gifts like knitted scarves, toys and treats.
This is one of the most touching stories of how animals can change us and save us that I’ve ever read. It also showed me a world I’ve never known–that of being homeless in London. Walking in the footsteps of James has changed my life too. Not only does Bob inspire, but so does James and the journey he took with and because of Bob. These books also have their funny and fun moments too–how can you not have some of those when a cat is involved. Bob is smart and amazing–when you read these books you will fall in love with him just like the world has.
Ultimately it was Bob who brought attention to James and their story and caught the interest of a publicist who talked James into writing the first book, A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life, which came out in 2010.
The second book, The World According to Bob, shares more of their story and some of what happened when the first book came out. There are also children and teen versions of the first book, and this year a new Christmas book. Unfortunately for those of us in the US, the print version of A Gift from Bob: How a Street Cat Helped One Man Learn the Meaning of Christmas, is only available in the UK so far, however you can order the ebook on Amazon-which I did and can’t wait to read it!
You can also find multiple videos of Bob and James on YouTube–some taken of them before the books, some local TV interviews after, and a documentary or two. And you can find Bob on Twitter @StreetCatBob and Facebook!
Don’t miss these wonderful books! They will make you laugh, and cry, and feel inspired. And if you don’t have a cat, you may just feel inspired to go out and adopt one. Go hug your pets and remember what gifts they are!
To enter to win a copy of A Cat Named Bob and the World According to Bob, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Bob,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 20, 2014. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out more animal rescue & pet related articles in our Pet section.
I have to read this book! Thanks KRL for reviewing it!
Thank you for the article. I am a big animal lover and have 4 stray cats in our backyard that have adopted us. I’m going to get these stories so I can read about Bob. Thank you again.
Jerilane
Amazing what pets can do for us – thanks for chance to win a copy!
Bob is a very handsome ginger.
My granddaughter has 3 cats — all indoors. They were adopted from the humane society and her first is her favorite of course, Atticus. Archie, the 2nd, has become my daughter’s fav as he cuddles more with her. And Loki, a Bengal, who pretty much leaves the others alone, has decided to be my friend — he purrs, wants me to scratch him, and will sit in my lap, or ‘make biscuits’ on my arm or tummy.
I guess, one could say my granddaughter was ‘homeless’ — she’s 23 and with a new baby boy — but she lives with her mom and dad. Someday she hopes to have a place of her own again; but with the grandbaby, my daughter doesn’t want her to leave.
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donna {dot} durnell {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
We have a winner!
Lorie Ham, KRL Publisher
I’ve seen both of these books on the Barnes & Noble shelves. Now, I’ll have to have BOTH!