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Shop nowBear Necessity
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Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“This is simply a delightful book that handles grief in a way we can all laugh at. Danny and his son, Will, are trying to deal with the death of Danny's wife, Will's mother. Except, Danny has lost his job, and Will has selective mutism and can't talk. Danny's landlord is threatening to break his legs if Danny can't pay his rent. And, there are no jobs to be had. Join Danny as he tries to make a quick pound as a dancing bear in the park. This book is filled with fun characters that will leave you cheering, including Christine, an outrageous pole dancer. Grief is horrible, and healing can be even more horrible. But James Gould-Bourn shows us how there are small moments of laughter that can help the heart feel a little better. Oh, how I loved this book. A wonderful listen!”
— Marilyn • BookBar
Bookseller recommendation
“A poignant story of relationships, grief, unlikely friendship, and hope with an eclectic group of characters and an odd set of circumstances. Totally an enjoyable and feel-good experience.”
— Tina • Leaves Book and Tea Shop
A “refreshing” (Kirkus Reviews), unpretentious, and uplifting story about a father and son reconnecting and finding happiness in the most unlikely circumstances.
Danny’s life is falling apart. His eleven-year-old son, Will, hasn’t spoken since the death of his mother in a car crash a year earlier, and Danny has just been fired from his construction job. He’s behind on the rent and his landlord is threatening to break his legs if he doesn’t pay soon. Danny needs money, and fast.
After observing street performers in a local park, Danny spends his last few dollars on a tattered panda costume, impulsively deciding to become a dancing bear. While performing one day, Danny spots his son being bullied by a group of older boys. Danny chases them off, and Will opens up for the first time since his mom died, unaware that the man in the panda costume is his father. Afraid of disclosing his true identity, Danny comforts his son. But will Danny lose Will’s trust once he reveals who he is? And will he be able to dance his way out of despair?
Filled with a delightful cast of characters including Danny’s Ukrainian best friend Ivan, Bear Necessity is “a moving, sensitive story that is also very funny, and a perfect literary antidote to anxious, troubled times” (Shelf Awareness).
James Gould-Bourn is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist from Manchester, England. He is a graduate of Faber Academy’s writing course and Bear Necessity is his first novel. He lives in Malaysia.