The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Streetwise Cat
*Starred Review* The author’s Street Cat Named Bob (2012) climbed onto the New York Times best-seller list as it touched the hearts of cat lovers in not only the U.S. but also, prior to that, in Bowen’s—and Bob’s—native Britain. If you are unfamiliar with the previous book (and shame on you), the author was a London street musician and recovering drug addict when he stumbled upon an ill ginger tabby, whom he named—so ­perfectly—Bob. He fixed Bob up, and they have been inseparable ever since. The remarkable aspect of their friendship—no, love—is that Bob accompanied Bowen most days on his street-playing gig, attracting considerable attention in his own right. Now comes a sequel to that beguiling book, and this human-­feline team has not lost any of its extraordinariness. The primary focus in this second installment of the Bob story is the fame and fortune that came Bowen’s way in the wake of the spectacular success of the first book. But is Bob no longer as vital to Bowen’s life? Be serious. Bob’s serenity has kept his now-famous owner grounded and aware of what’s really important in life: the strength of love.            HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The previous book’s popularity will guarantee the commercial success of the author’s new one. --Brad Hooper