Review: A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

I was completely unaware of the story of Bob the Big Issue Cat and his fellow Musketeer James Bowen, until my mother loaned me a copy of a biography that she had recently purchased titled A Street Cat Named Bob. I'm a bit of a sucker for a good cat story and this one is absolutely brilliant. Bowen is a %100 bona fide cat person and it shows. Anyway, it the story itself is how Bowen, a recovering heroin addict, discovers Bob--an injured stray cat, and the pair form a friendship that transforms each of their lives for the better.

There are a number of moments that will have cat lovers nodding their heads and saying 'yep.' The story of Bob, and how he clearly felt safe enough with James to be on the streets of London with him, busking and later selling copies of The Big Issue is nothing short of amazing. There is no denying that this is an uplifting read. It's also a good reminder that sometimes, we cannot know another person's story and the full extent of what they have been through. Bowen is honest about his life on the streets, his addiction and the many opportunities that he has missed. He is also honest about the way that people in his situation are often unfairly judged.

The writing style itself is very accessible--enough that readers from a variety of ages and backgrounds should be able to read this one with ease.

Highly Recommended.

PS--A Street Cat Named Bob has recently been made into a film. You can also see some videos of James and Bob while they were still working on the streets here and here. 

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