James BowenA Gift from Bob: How a Street Cat Helped One Man Learn the Meaning of Christmas

Very good book to read ..... Very enjoyable ! My 26 year old son died from a drug overdose --- to see someone bring themselves out of addiction and create a life for themselves is extremely heart warning ....... I really enjoyed this book ....

I first read A Streetcat Named Bob at the libary last year and enjoyed the friendship between James and Bob. A Gift from Bob is one of the sequels, but is about how James and Bob spend one Christmas together. I think a lot of people can relate to James's story to pay his bills and deal with the cold snowy weather that threatens his ability to make a living. This book also James reveals a few stories of his life on the streets before Bob. The book is shorter than A Streetcat Named Bob and ends with the reader wanting to know about the present James and Bob. James should consider publishing another Christmas story after him and Bob became famous. This book wouldn't be recommended to children because some of the content, such as drugs use mentioned in the book, but I would recommend it to teenagers and above who would like to read a great Christmas story. People who love animals rescuing people and their stories would also enjoy reading this book.

The third in a series of books by Bowen about his adventures with Bob, the street cat, describes the outpouring of affection lavished on James and Bob on their last Christmas on the streets. The loyal following they cultivated during their time together, busking and selling the Big Issue magazine, spontaneously combine to give the pair a reprieve from what could have been a very dismal Christmas indeed! This reprieve, most certainly accountable to Bobs presence in Jame's life, kindled in James a newfound appreciation for the meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving.The problem with this book is that the bulk of the narrative is for the benefit of those who haven't read Bowen's first book A Streetcat Named Bob, with the balance as new information for those who have. Whatever new information provided describes in detail James and Bob's Christmas together and makes for a short read that is somewhat unsatisfying. Having read all three of Bowen's books: A Streetcat named Bob, The World According to Bob and now, A Gift From Bob, it's become clear that perhaps the James & Bob story has run it's course and barring some new adventures of James and Bob and their newfound wealth; it seems best to let the story end here.

Not a repeat at all. New material that will rip your heart open. Should go on to become a classic Christmas story -- for any time of year. What's amazing to me is that author James Bowen has not dropped the quality on his second and third books. If anything, he and his coauthor are better than ever. Get this one. You will be grateful you did, because it will give you an even deeper appreciation of the power of God to save anyone's life.

Without Bob James might not have made it this far but without James Bob would probably not have survived. These two former 'street cats' make a formidable team. A lovely compelling story which makes your heart melt.

A delightful book about Bob the cat and his cat-dad, James. Acquiring Bob was literally the best thing that ever happened to James, and this book continues their very interesting story. I also enjoyed the insight into the life of a poor person in London who becomes much better off as a result of adopting Bob who has just got to be one of the most interesting cats ever. Bowen's book reminds me of The Cat Who Went to Paris, and A Cat Abroad by Peter Gethers. This book is a quick read and a totally heart-warming, Christmas themed story.

Okay, so it's JULY and I'm reviewing a book that takes place around Christmas time. However, as the title says, HOPE has a place in every season. Someone gave the book an unfavorable review, and while I didn't read the review, I'm not sure the reader got the point of the story. The James Bowen of today enjoys things he couldn't take for granted back in his leaner days. However, as he decided to get his life together, and Bob came onto the scene, he saw aspects of his life that he appreciated a bit more (having a job ) compared to living (and sleeping) rough, 'thanks' to his addiction. Partly because of that addiction and owing some of that issue to the loneliness of a fractured family, James was not a big fan of the Christmas holidays. This, sadly, is a common theme for a lot of people.. Drugs or no, family estrangement is a chief cause of wanting to avoid the holidays like the proverbial plague. Adding drugs to that family estrangement isn't a huge help. However, even with the aggravations of his magazine job, his disposition takes a decided turn for the better; Both with his day by day success at distancing himself from the drug scene and having a reason to hold to his promise. See also: Bob. Slowly, but noticeably, James sees a difference in himself, as he was becoming versus the man he was. Two scenes in the book drive that point home. First, bumping into a former 'friend' of his dark days. A drug dealer who wanted to re-introduce James to the taste of his old life. James finds himself saying NO with more conviction than he was sure he had. If that wasn't enough to drive the point home, Bob's giving the creep a warning swipe of his paw made the impression that got across. The second scene was the sight of a man, on the street, wrapped in a cardboard box. And in Jame's old spot. The Eerrieness was like something out of Dickens' Christmas Carol, complete with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Being able to give the man a few pounds to get himself a coffee and a sandwich made James feel almost better than the guy who got the money. He was able to do it. Remembering what one Big Issue buyer told him, about having to cook for 14 people made him that much more content about being able to enjoy Christmas with a roof over his head , dinner with Bob and Belle, a small collection of gifts under a tree. We take these minor blessings for granted. (home, food, friends). James Bowen, Bob and co-writer Gary Jenkins remind us not to.

Another amazing and totally thought provoking story from James Bowen. Yes, I read the first one because I love cats, I read the next couple because I became so interested in this man who managed to drag himself out of a terrible situation. I had never realised before reading the first book how incredibly painful it was to come off methadone, and I think he is amazing (yes, I know I have used that word already). His relationship with Bob, so well described, is wonderful - long may Bob continue. My congratulations also to his co-writer, Garry, who, I am sure, has helped immensely in making these books so readable.I would like to know if James ever found the earrings for Belle.Thank you for making me think, James (and btw, I have always, as long as I can remember) contributed to St Martins in the Fields Christmas Appeal - now I am even more glad I do).

I've read the original Street Cat Bob book and watched the movie but neither is necessary if you were hoping to just pick this book up and get reading. This book focuses on Christmas, there is a touch of the 'Ghost of Christmas Past' about the narrative as James reflects on previous Christmas' and in particular when he sees a man sleeping rough in exactly the same place he used to sleep rough several years earlier. It's nice to get another book so we can hear more of James and Bob's story especially now Bob has sadly passed away.It's a heartwarming story of kindness and the real meaning of Christmas and I think even the hardest of hearts would find it difficult to not be touched by the tale of James and Bob. It made me reflect on what really matters at Christmas time. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice Christmas themed story to reflect on, it isn't suitable for Children though as it does contain references to drug use occasionally but I believe James has some children's books also available for those wanting a child-friendly version.

Short but very sweet! It inspired me to pass on a Waitrose voucher to a Big Issue Seller today.Definitely worth a read especially if you have already read the other books. It's always good to hear more about the difference one amazing cat has made! We want more please!

I loved James Bowen's 2 previous Bob books and loved this one too! It was really touching and filled with stories that made me laugh and a few sad ones here than there but there were more good stories than bad ones. I'm very happy for James that he managed to get his life back back track after a few tough years on the streets.It's clear to see that Bob was a wonderful companion who changed his life for the better. As a Cat owner myself, I understand the joy and amusement they bring to people.The book also teaches us the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of showing kindness to people especially those less fortunate. No matter how big or small kind gestures can make a huge difference!

My hubby gave me the Streetcat Named Bob/World According to Bob omnibook at Christmas, and I got hooked on the Streetcat named Bob. The story is a "how this person/cat saved my life story," but is told in such an entertaining way, you tend to forget that this book is merely an extended version of a story to be found in a Streetcat Named Bob.This book, as with the Love of Bob and Bob: No Ordinary Cat, is most likely best enjoyed by younger readers (from 11 years up), but even adults will enjoy it as well.