Format Read: Kindle book
Source: Owned by the reviewer
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon*
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Blurb from goodreads:
The Instant New York Times Bestseller!
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. Now, James and Bob are ready to share their true story with the U.S. in this tale unlike any you’ve ever read of a cat who possesses some kind of magic.
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.
Perfect for fans of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog and Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat That Changed the World, this instant classic about the power of love between man and animal has taken the world by storm and is guaranteed to be a huge hit with American fans as well.
Bea's Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for animal stories, especially ones with happy endings. I bought this a few months after it was released but didn't read it until recently. I have the second book from the library, waiting it's turn to be read.
James was, during the time span of the book, a drug addict. He's in an outpatient rehab program when he acquires Bob. Bob was injured and malnourished when he met James but James took him to a veterinarian, gave him a home, and fed him. They become close, so close that when James leaves the house for any reason, Bob follows. He often ends up riding on James' shoulder since he can't always keep up. James, for the first time in years, is responsible for someone other than himself. He takes pride in caring for Bob while also being somewhat terrified at the responsibility. He learns about cats as he goes and often puts Bob's welfare before his own.
Bowen's style of writing is loose and casual, as if he's in a one-on-one conversation with the reader. He's pretty honest with us about his flaws and how he screwed up his life. Hearing him talk about Bob, their relationship, and how Bob helped James turn around and get serious about changing his life was sad, hopeful, and affirmative simultaneously. Bob is quite the personality and James, while a little on the whiny side at times, seems like a decent guy. I'm looking forward to starting the follow up book, "The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Streetwise Cat".
I haven't heard of this one before, but I love the premise of it (and the cover is awesome :D ). I need to look for it!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy it and there's a follow up book also.
DeleteThis sounds good. I remember reading about this one at some point and putting it on my wishlist. I can't remember where I heard about it, but I remember saying I needed to read it...of course I haven't gotten around to it yet.
ReplyDeleteIt took me almost two years to get around to reading it. :D Bowen did a good job writing the book.
DeleteI love the sound of this, but I would never be able to read it. I mean, just reading the blurb and your review had me tearing up for heavens sake. Can you imagine how much tissue I would have to go through if I did read it? Unfathomable.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand. I teared up reading this and the follow up.
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