Covet the bag? Buy the book

I must confess. handbags are not my first love, that spot on the top of my list of favorite past times and hobbies belongs to books, books, books.
So, naturally, nothing makes me as happy as when my 2 passions meet...books about handbags.
If the book is humorous, as well as interesting, well that's just an added bonus, and the most perfect example of recent date is Michael Tonello 's Bringing Home the Birkin.
I first mentioned the book here back in February when an advanced copy sold for nearly $1,000 (proceeds went to charity), and have since had the opportunity to read it myself. It was all I anticipated...and then some.

Billed as the true story of how one man managed to bust right through the mythological (and he proves that it is in fact a myth) Hermes waiting list for exotic hard to get Birkins but it is so much more than that. The emphasis is on the storied handbag, and the quest for Birkin is the driving device to the tale, but in all honesty you don't need to know a Birkin from bread basket to enjoy the book. I found myself transported by the descriptions of amazing places Mr Tonello travelled in his quest to feed his Brikin starved clients...his description of Capri actually borders on travel porn, and he made me want to pick up and move to Spain.
Along the way of course, there are the funny stories about clientelle, shopping excursions to various Hermes outposts across 4 continents, hilarious descriptions of the salespeople, and a peek into the chain of commodity that is eBay. Mr Tonello not only breaks the Hermes code (and shows you how to do it too...anyone with patience, charm, and a credit limit can work it) but also deals with chance, danger, blackmail and intrigue, meets larger than life people, and of course, like any good protagonist, finds true love.
I have a feeling that this could be one of the biggest beach reads this Summer...and rightfully so. Bringing Home the Birkin doesn't hit stores until April 22nd but you can peek inside now, or just pre-order a copy on Amazon (there is a 5% discount for pre-orders).

Now, how would you like a chance at your very own Birkin, without having to leave your comfy computer chair? Just scroll down...

In anticipation of the book's release, publisher Harper Collins and Omni Hotels are giving away a Birkin. Enter the sweepstakes now!