James Bowen is a British author and musician renowned for his autobiographical book, A Street Cat Named Bob, which details his life experiences. Born on March 15, 1979, in Surrey, Bowen's life took a tumultuous turn following his parents' divorce, leading him to move to Australia with his mother and stepfather. The frequent relocations and a strained home life contributed to a challenging childhood marked by bullying and substance misuse. Bowen started sniffing glue while still in school, becoming what he describes as a "tearaway kid." His struggles with ADHD, schizophrenia, and manic depression further complicated his early life.

In 1997, Bowen returned to the UK to live with his half-sister, a transition that marked the beginning of a new chapter, albeit a difficult one. His life story, captured vividly in his writing, showcases resilience and the transformative power of companionship, as seen through his relationship with a street cat named Bob. This narrative not only brought Bowen to prominence but also highlighted issues around homelessness and the therapeutic potential of animal companionship.