A Street Cat Named Bob

By: James Bowen

Narrated by: Kris Milnes

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

The phenomenal number one best seller about best friends James and Bob. Now a major motion picture starring Luke Treadaway.

Shortlisted for: Popular Non-Fiction Book of the Year - Specsavers National Book Awards 2012

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. A Street Cat Named Bob is a moving and uplifting story that will touch the heart of anyone who hears it.

©2012 James Bowen (P)2012 Hodder & Stoughton

A great story for cat people and animal lovers

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to any of my friends who have ever had a connection with an animal. This is a delightful and simple story of two beings finding each other and affecting each others' lives

What did you like best about this story?

It took me a little while to get used to the narrator, the style was simple and casual. I enjoyed the imagery of Bob perched atop shoulders, travelling with him to work unperturbed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This story made me smile a lot, recollecting pets long since past. I have a soft spot for ginger cats

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love it!

i watched the movie first. cats are special to me as well. i was captured by this story..very good!

i loved it and I think it is worth getting

i loved it and I think it is worth getting because it is very intriguing

Good listen

A nicely told story about James and Bob, the ginger cat. The book describes, through a great narration (well done Kris Milnes), how Bob came up to James' life and the positive impact it had on James, leading him to a new perspective on life and helping him recover from his addiction issues.
I found the book very enjoyable and captivating. Surely a book cat lovers will love.

Amazing story and stellar narrator's performance

What made the experience of listening to A Street Cat Named Bob the most enjoyable?

This story is perfect on so many levels. Treat yourself and read it through page by page. You'll get charged with emotions in no time.

What about Kris Milnes’s performance did you like?

Stellar performance. The best I've came across so far.

I LOVE Bob and James

What made the experience of listening to A Street Cat Named Bob the most enjoyable?

Everything!! It was such a lovely heart warming story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course it was the fantastic Bob

What does Kris Milnes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was lovely to listen and really bought the story to life

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

They lost each other a few times but when they found each other again it was very moving

Any additional comments?

I am a total cat lover and adore stories about them. I had seen James and Bob on YouTube and just loved the story. I can't wait to read the next book James has written about Bob. Big kudos to James for turning his life around with the love and support of a lovely ginger kitty :)

Heartwarming!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Street Cat Named Bob to be better than the print version?

I would prefer this audio edition to the print version. The narrator does a wonderful job.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved all of this story, and I hope Bob and his mate will be happy together for many, many years to come!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book actually made me cry several times. And I NEVER cry when I read books!

Great read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to any animal lover, such a beautiful story of trust and love.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob

Fell in love with James and Bob!

If you could sum up A Street Cat Named Bob in three words, what would they be?

Love, Luck and Special.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a true story and I loved hearing how they saved each other. It was lovely to hear their story, the special bond they created and you couldn't help but love them both.

Which character – as performed by Kris Milnes – was your favourite?

This is a hard time but I'd have to say Bob the cat, followed closely by James.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes definitely, in fact I almost did. I didn't end up getting much sleep that night as I couldn't stop listening. I always wanted to know what was next.

Any additional comments?

This book touched me from the very beginning, such a special true story. Even as I remember listening to the story now I have a smile on my face and happy memories. This really is a very special book, a truly amazing true story and the narrator really made listening to this book a pleasure. As soon as I finished the book I wanted to know more and went searching for the videos of Bob that had been mentioned. I was in love with Bob already and only fell more in love when I saw the videos. Both Bob and his owner James are truly special, I finished this book wishing I could talk to them both...to meet them. I also raved about the book to my husband who started to listen as soon as he had the chance. Highly recommended, fantastic true story and the narrator was truly amazing too.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

inspiring listen

This is a lovely listen. I would love a cat like Bob. Heartwarming audio book.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Soul mates

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. Any animal lover would love this book. Also interesting for anyone who has fallen upon hard times or had an addiction problem. Very uplifting. My teenage boy was off sick from school while I was playing it and he was hooked too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Street Cat Named Bob?

I was amazed by the bit when Bob followed James across the busy street and onto the bus. Plus when he found his way back to Belle's house 1.5 miles away. I definitely think cats are more intelligent than we give them credit for, and have a sixth sense. Or was he a higher being in a previous life?

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scenes when he first takes Bob to busk with him and he attracts people who give him money. Then when he starts selling the Big Issue and he has the same effect.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes although I didn't have over 6 hrs to spare in one sitting. Very absorbing.

Any additional comments?

I liked the fact James included information about what it's like to be homeless, also on drugs and the process of coming off them, plus working for the Big Issue which has really opened my eyes to how they run this like a business which helps them feel valued. Also he explains important issues re animal welfare and the importance of flea treatment, neutering and chipping etc. I like the fact James is educating his readers as well as entertaining them.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

listen to this book

This is a wonderful story - I enjoyed every second and didn't want the story to end. I hope there is a sequel

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Incredible!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Street Cat Named Bob to be better than the print version?

Yes. The narrator completely makes a person appreciate what James went through, and his love for Bob

What other book might you compare A Street Cat Named Bob to, and why?

Difficult question. I don't think I have ever read anything like this. I prefer adventure thrillers,and bought this on a whim. What a total surprise - this is a wonderful story!

What about Kris Milnes’s performance did you like?

Everything. It was like listening to James Bowen himself!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Smile, yes. Cry, a bit. But mostly I was filled with total admiration for this young man who got his life together. A pity he does not realize that a miracle like Bob can only come from God.

Any additional comments?

I have a completely new way of looking to people like James.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Cat lovers unite

What made the experience of listening to A Street Cat Named Bob the most enjoyable?

I liked the paperback version of this book and wanted to listen to this version
I was not disappointed and it's an inspiring story of a cat and man who fall in love with each other
If you love animal listen to this book

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Purrrrfect Friendship

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is a glimpse into the lives of the eponymous Bob and his human friend, James. It shows how much can be gained by giving. James cares for Bob, and in return finds his way to a fuller, more rewarding life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob is the star. The way he's described, reminded me of many ginger cats I have known.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The one that tells of Bob's tenacity in refusing to use the litter tray!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment of recognition when Bob was reunited with James after a distressing time in Covent Garden which frightened Bob and made him run away.

Any additional comments?

Lovely, life-affirming book. All the better for being a true story.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A grown-up, real-life, feline lassie!

Where does A Street Cat Named Bob rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this audio book. I've not listened to many other books like this. I think it is unique as Bob is a very unique feline. Also the relationship he and James share makes their story one of a kind.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Street Cat Named Bob?

I really enjoyed hearing about all of Bob's antics, he would happily sit by James' side on the bus looking out of the window. I also enjoyed hearing about James' personal struggle to overcome addiction and to work hard to look after himself and his new feline pal. I think what I'll remember the most is the beautiful impact Bob had on James, having the cat gave James a sense of responsibility and identity that really helped him to recover.

Have you listened to any of Kris Milnes’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I havn't but I really enjoyed his performance and think it fitted well with James.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to this book quite quickly as I really wanted to find out what happened to Bob and James next!

Any additional comments?

I am a cat lover, having 3 pet cats myself. However, I do think that there is a lot in this book not just for cat lovers. Bob the cat is a remarkable animal and is unlike any other cat I have met. The parts where James' starts to sell the Big Issue again to support himself and Bob also made me relook at how I view the Big Issue magazine and appreciate Big Issue sellers more which is something I am really greatful for.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

heartwarming

Would you listen to A Street Cat Named Bob again? Why?

Yes. Loved the story & the whole thing opened my heart more to street people after reading the very next day I gave to the first big issue person I came across. Fell in love with Bob! Simply told but that was absolutely fine & what I wanted.

What other book might you compare A Street Cat Named Bob to, and why?

Can't think off hand don't really read this type of book.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When Bob jumps on James' shoulder, I had a cat who did just that.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When James found Bob outside Belle's flat waiting for him.

Any additional comments?

Loved it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A tale of a man and his cat named Friendship.

This is a good listen which slowly unwraps life of an ordinary man, James, who meets a cat that casts a spell on him and brings his life back into a happy, healthy and caring place. Friendship and trust which grow between James and Bob - the cat is like no other.

This true story is full of empathy, basic human emotions and warms the hearts, but don't be mistaken, the story also reveals the hardness of life on the streets and incredible hope that shows amazing strength that can be found within.

Kris Milner does an okay job, the recording is clear and easy to listen, however it is not a memorable and outstanding performance.

Overall, the book is well worth spending a credit.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful