Great and funny book. What a wonderful well travelled life, Mr. Tonello
Lived in his quest for the BIRKIN. A must Read for every FASHONISTA

While reading reviews for this book, one thing you rarely see is the mention that it's also a scathing expose of Hermes' business practices. I also don't think their customers, and in particular those that pay ridiculous secondary-market prices, come off all that well. I'm sure that wasn't the primary intent of the author, but it is silly to pursue a status symbol to the point where you're willing to pay many thousands of Dollars over the regular price just to get a handbag.

What do you get for those thousands? The most well-known symbol for women to say "I've arrived" that's at least marketed by a major luxury firm. It has to be universally recognized, right? It reminds me of teens that say how individual they want to be, but they're really dressing like all of their friends. If everyone wants the same bag, and some women have dozens, does it really retain it's "status" or purported rarity? Doesn't the sheer number of bags that some collectors own prove the fact that they're not rare but rather marketed efficiently?

Hermes, of course, isn't alone in marketing this way, but they must be extremely irritated to have their secrets exposed so easily.

Been through the first few chapters so far...
Reads like a breeze...

Very tongue-in-cheek...
Quite readable....

You can almost think the writer is a woman the way he writes passionately about Birkin bags! You come to learn however, there is no emotional connection: purely sales. Michael is a great writer, weaving wonderful stories amongst the Birkin-buying mayhem. The fact that this is a true story was even better. I recommend this book to anyone who loves travel/shopping/laughing. But beware: you'll want to jump on the first plane to Barcelona after you've read it!

Wow! Recently I decided to read books that don't fit my personality. A friend of mine gave me this book because it was a "good read." I'm not that into shopping but I was hooked from chapter 1 to the point where I honestly started reading the book one Saturday at 11am and finished it that night by 11pm. I didn't want to put it down because everytime I decided to do something important like, bathe or eat, there was another loop that I had to ride. I felt like I was able to enjoy a world of fashion, food and culture that I'm not often exposed to or can't always afford to experience all from the confines of my home. I felt like traveling to all the places mentioned, sipping from a few of those wine glasses and I actually wanted to be friends with the hero. Most of all it made me want to pursue those little things that I don't think are such a "big deal," or probably "won't turn into anything," this book took me on a mini vacation that I never expected to go on. Even sweeter, there are moments that made me melt. LOVED IT!!

This is not normally the type of book that I would read (non-fiction, fashion related), but I loved it. I couldn't put it down in parts, because I couldn't wait to see how the situations that he found himself in turned out. He brings you along for the adventure, and also adds his funny (and sometimes sarcastic) commentary, which I loved. Definitely a fun book to read.

An exciting, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romp through the bizarre world of the modern day bazaar. Truly a fascinating voyeuristic peek into the intersection of an internet based business & the weird characters obsessed with outrageously high priced fashion items.

This is NOT just a book about fashion. I believe you'll enjoy the book if you are interested in : money, business, the internet and.... (oh yeah) $30,000 purses.

I picked up Tonello's book and absolutely could NOT put it down!!! I loved every page! The author made ME want to pick up, move and start my own adventures!

I loved the book so much, I passed it on to my Aunt and Mother and both could not put it down! In fact, my mom never put it down! She read it and finished it in ONE day!!! My 12 year old cousin is now reading and she loves it as well.

If you love fashion, shopping, travel, great hotels, great restaurants, adventure or if you've EVER wanted to pick up, move and start all over, this is for YOU!

Buy it now, buy it for a friend before it gets "wait listed!" LOL...

Honestly, you will LOVE it!

I've read it twice and I will read it again and again!!!

I purchased this book following a glowing recommendation in the New York Times summer reading section. While I was looking forward to the read, I found myself slogging through a weak travelogue. Be prepared, much of the book reads like "went to Paris, encountered rude sales people at Hermes, bought 3 scarves, had a good meal, drank great wine". Repeat this around 25 times, and it gets old very quickly. If you found this book on a discount table, pick it up, but do not pay full prices-it is just not worth it.

Hilarious! Fun and snarky! This book made me laugh out loud (something I rarely do while reading)! A delight, if you like this sort of thing. (And I do.) The outlandish stories that Mr. Tonello tells about his career as an Hermes reseller on ebay are a total riot! What a cast of characters.
I enjoyed this book immensely - it was very well written and I really couldn't put it down. I "discovered" it in the New York Times article which, in a nutshell, called it THE summer beach read of 2008. They're right.

"There are two unorthodox things about this summer's most adorable chick-lit book: It's a work of nonfiction, and it's written by a guy. Michael Tonello's "Bringing Home the Birkin," the story of one man's relentless assault on the world's horsiest luxury-goods label, may break the mold a bit, but it does a fine job of fulfilling this genre's basic requirements. It's smart. It's fizzy. It's amusingly snarky, with attitude to burn. The genre's four basic food groups are ambition, romance, travel and partying, and Mr. Tonello dishily delivers (he adores alliteration) them all...Mr. Tonello's antic memoir takes a more interesting view of consumer culture. And it has the rare advantage of being as much fun to read as it is to tote around."

honestly, i didn't think i'd like this book at all, because of the subject matter.. but it transcends the subject, it speaks to an inner search in all of us.. I definately recommend it to anyone, don't let the subject matter throw you off, it's an excellent read.

Bringing Home the Birkin is an excellent book -- very well-written, witty, and fun! This book would be a great pick to bring on a trip or vacation, or just to relax with at home, as it is a smooth and enjoyable read from beginning to end. The world of luxury goods (specifically, Hermes) is explored during one man's adventures as he travels the world purchasing Hermes goods and reselling them to (quite interesting!) clients on Ebay. Anyone picking up a copy of this book is sure to enjoy it.

I LOVED this book. Its a non fiction account of a man who moves to Barcelona and decides to resell Hermes products online via Ebay. He manages to figure out how to get his hands on $8K-25K handbags with unbelievable regularity. His prose is funny and entertaining through out. It felt like you were gossiping with a friend as you read this book. HIGHLY recommend.

I saw this book reviewed in the New York Times fun summer reading list and I was able to reserve it from my public library and get it within a week (while there is a long wait for the novels outlined in the same review). I read it in two evenings and one afternoon. I thought it was very entertaining and laughed out-loud several times. It's funny that the guy was able to publish a book like this, but his delivery was excellent and his vivid descriptions of tourist locations throughout the world (including his last US address in Ptown, Cape Cod and his home in Barcelona-- two places I enjoyed visiting before I had little children) was a great escape.

It helps if you are an Ebay designer purse fanatic, like myself. Although my brand of obsession has never been Hermes, until now! Mr. Tonello's book is an hilariously accurate portrait of the crazy world of crazy handbag collectors (and the even crazier design houses that produce these bags to "sell" and then make people WAIT to buy them!) Bravo for exposing Hermes' fake waiting lists and "unavailable" materials. Consumers of designer bags have known for a long time that these stores sell their bags to the customers they deem the most "worthy."

I hope you write a sequel!

Bringing Home the Birkin is one of the funniest and best written reads around. It is great for summer beach reading. Michael Tonello has crafted an entertaining book with humor, grace and style. What an amazing adventure he has had. I highly recommend this title to anyone with any measure of curiosity about how the haute couture world functions.

Wether you are interested in handbags or not you would probably like this book. Once I started to read it I couldn`t put it away! I just had to know how the pursuit was going to end! This book tells us the truth about the brand of Hermes and for all those who are interested - you just have to read this book!

This book is a fun, quick read. Very amusing and 'in the know' and light enough to have at the beach. I found it quite entertaining.

I read this book right after reading Trophies: A Novel - coincidentally, both were published by the same company - but unlike with Trophies, I found myself completely charmed by Michael Tonello and his world. If you don't know what a Birkin is, maybe you accidentally clicked on this link while searching for Birkenstocks. For the rest of you, this brings the mythic bag down to earth and potentially into your very hands!!

However, this isn't just a step-by-step guide to getting your own Birkin, though Tonello thoughtfully provides that as well as a categorical breakdown of Hermes sales associates. This is also a travelogue through most of Europe and parts of Asia and South America. Basically, wherever Hermes went so did Tonello. I know of groupies who've chased rock stars around the world, but this is the first I've heard of a bag groupie, though I'm sure the Birkin could put Mick Jagger to shame with the lengths women would go to get their hands around it. Moreover, the Birkin has aged much better.

Tonello describes his travels with the enthusiasm of a Food Network host, the travel knowledge of Rick Steves, and the fashion knowledge of Andre Leon Talley (minus the Jennifer Hudson Oscar disaster). He morphs from apprehensive expat to neophyte scarf seller to Hermes insider, all by happenstance. This story starts because he makes a leap of faith and chooses to follow his heart to Barcelona from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He isn't following a man, just his own desire to live in the world in a place where he feels an unique connection to the culture and the people. The job he has lined up once he gets to Barcelona doesn't pan out, which leads him to the world's biggest pawn shop - eBay. One thing leads to another and he ends up entering the World of Hermes and finding a calling. Along the way, he lives an episode of House Hunters International, falls in love, and loses someone close to him. Tonello takes us along on his ride through the joys, trials, and tribulations of life - charmingly illustrated by Muntsa Vicente - and I didn't want to get off...I read the book in one night.

Bringing Home the Birkin is a testament to entrepreneurship and the adventures that come from taking chances in life. It's actually quite inspirational. He slayed the all-powerful dragon, or in this case, orange horse. Oprah would be proud...and taking notes!

I really liked this book because it wasn't selling the Birkin--just the Birkin story. It was witty and entertaining--there was an actual story line. I loved how he described the first time he walked into an Hermes store, it's exactly the way I felt before I got sucked into the Hermes cult. It's not a happily ever after story which made it more real. Honest and hilarious, I enjoyed every page of it.

This book is great fun for those of us who COLLECT, or wish we could. It's told by a guy who worked his way up on ebay from selling his old cashmere sweaters to finding and selling $20,000+ Hermes Birkin handbags. He's no artiste when it comes to writing style, but the story has good pacing, amusing anecdotes, and the always necessary side love interest. Plus you'll learn a lot about those ever desirable Birkin bags that most of us can only moon at from the other side of the Hermes shop window. Note: the waiting list is a crock - read this book to find out why. Grade: B

I casually picked up a copy after seeing a review in WSJ - and could not put the book down. Michael Tonello's taut narrative held my attention from the first page to the last. I am not a 'fashion person' and would not know a Birkin bag from a sow's ear. What gripped me was the story of how one man constructed his life - moving acress the ocean, creating a business, and enjoying life in the process. I have been recommending this book to my friends.

B.H.T.B is a fun and easy to read history of Michael Tonello's Birkin hunting experience. Well worth the $$$, and very inspiring.

I LOVED this book! I am an avid collector of Birkin bags --- this book was a page turner! Esp., if you understand remotely the Hermes obsession that some have!! Its a great read for the summer!

I love handbags and although I have my share of what I thought were expensive bags (LV, Hobo, Coach, etc) I knew next to nothing about Birkin's except for the Sex In The City episode. Got a kick out of the book, still do not really know much about the bags but it was a fun easy read, good story. LOVE the cover I still do not know much about Birkin's (this is not a referance book but has some great photos) but I sure want to travel to some of the exotic locations in the book someday.

I own 6 Hermes scarves, and it is my dream to one day own a Birkin. Thank you, Mr. Tonello, for taking me on your amazing Birkin journey and allowing me to live vicariously through you. Now I know which size, color, etc. to look for when that day does come. You are a wonderful writer, and you had me laughing out loud many, many times, as well as misting up (when your mother met Juan for the first time). I sincerely hope you'll consider writing another book!

If this is Michael Tonello's first attempt at writing, he should definitely continue his attempts. One of the funniest and most entertaining pieces I've read this year! I'm all too familiar with Hermes' Birkin, et al., and the resale market on Ebay. I'm a Chanel girl, myself, but this book almost made me want a Birkin just because he made it sound so yummie! If you love handbags as much as I do, you will LOVE this book. It does not disappoint!

Is it possible to write an entire book based on one overpriced purse? Yes, and even better than that, "Bringing Home the Birkin" is an eminently readable, charming book that you will want to pass along to all your fashion loving friends once you're done. This true story by Michael Tonello involves seeking out your dream life (for him, living in Barcelona, Spain) and making it happen (by selling hard-to-find Hermes items like scarves, jewelry, and the ultimate insider handbag, the Birkin, on Ebay). What's not to love about a story like that?

This is the playground of the rich and famous, and the popularity and exclusive cache that comes with an Hermes Birkin has long been celebrated by fashion magazines and couture insiders worldwide. Adding fuel to the fire is the company's policy of "making less than 100 Birkins a year" ...or so they would have you believe. Waiting lists of two years or more (often with orders cancelled) is the modus operandi of Hermes in regard to these elusive purses. No mere mortal can enter an Hermes store, request a Birkin, and walk out the door with purse in hand.

All this makes the coveted status symbol that much more desirable in the fashion world. Tonello capitalizes on this fact and sets about learning how to "break into" the secretive world of Birkin insiders, releasing his finds--via Ebay--to the world. Along the way, we are given a bird's eye view of exclusive parties, gourmet restaurants, and shopping venues from Asia to Europe to South America, all in the pursuit of the purchase of this mystical handbag. With the beginning price for a "basic" Birkin starting at $8,000 and reaching into the stratosphere of $40,000 (based on my own recent surfing of Birkins on Ebay), this is no game for amateurs.

Although the story centers on Tonello's career as a platinum status seller on Ebay, there is so much more to the story. For example, this book examines just who the women are who not just "buy" these Hermes items, but indeed have flourishing collections. The book is also the story of falling in love with a city and trying, in any way possible, to make it your home. In and out of European countries in his pursuit of Hermes, the author has also written a travel book that any diehard shopper will adore. Most of all, the author has infused his story with personality, charm, and an individuality that makes this book a unique read. It's more like having an engaging chat with a close friend than reading a literary tome.

To those who have little interest in travel, fashion, or the lives of those who can afford $8,000 for a handbag, this book will probably seem trivial, even meaningless. For those who love a good dish a la "Sex and the City," this book lives up to the mysterious lure of that elusive, ultimate fashion accessory. This book is as good as a Birkin...and then some!

Christine Zibas, Book Pleasures

This is a sweet story in that the author found his "Mr. Right" and we share in in his family's support and ultimate trials. However, if your primary interest lies in finding out more about the Birkin bag--how it's made, what makes it worth the asking price, the colors, the leathers, the true details of the Icon Bag, you may wish to pass on this book. True, there is a way to get around the waiting list, but it takes money--which you must spend at an Hermes store. It is NOT necessary to buy these bags in the back alley, which is clearly demonstrated in this book. One simply must spend a bit up front--but that's for the reader to find out.

Another small gripe, the author focused on buying the crocodile Birkins in order to make the most profit. I think most women would like the smooth leather bags, which are much cheaper and easier to come by.

If globe-trotting and true love found are your things, enjoy this book. If you're a Birkinista, you may want do online research instead.

Michael is at his absolute best! What a fun, fun, fun book to read -- as a personal journal with hysterically funny moments -- and as just simple entertainment! 5 STARS!!
Thanks, Michael, for such great FUN!
Debbie Dupire-Nelson

...purses do exist and lots of people seem to own lots of them, you'll enjoy this book. Michael writes a fun story of a time in his life when he "played" Hermes in order to make a living. That the women in the book - I assumed he changed names - spent so much money on purses, scarves, and other "name" items were the ultimate "Fashion Victims", is maybe what they deserved to be. But, well, it's their money and if that's what they chose to spend it on...Michael just helped them in their quests for the ultimate "croc".

I enjoyed the book.

Out of curiosity, I just read the letter Mr Tonello graces this Amazon page with: just the fact that he wrongly writes "Hermés" -é accent aigu- instead of the correct "Hermès" -è accent grave- was enough to crash his credibility...

I read this on a flight earlier in the week and finished the book that evening in our hotel room. On the return flight home my husband read the book and just finished it last night. Both of us (he was skeptical when i handed him the book) laughed out loud throughout the book and enjoyed the travel and food chapters (along the lines of "A Year in Provence") as well as the author's social commentary (the salesclerks are hysterically funny). I'm sending the book to my daughter in NYC to read on her subway commute (she loves those Shopaholic books). Easy, breazy, like a giant box of bonbons, you just don't want to stop reading and it's great fun all the way through to end. Highly recommended! (and Michael, if you read this, I'd love to have dinner with you in Barcelona)

Some books are candy-like in terms of nutrition. We buy them because they have a decent hook, we read them quickly and five days later barely recall the characters or their exploits. I assure you, Bringing Home The Birkin is not one of those books.

This is a wonderful, wild ride that spans years, continents and exchange rates; and most important, teaches us that absolutely anything is possible. You do not have to be confined to the state or the country in which you were born. You do not have to kowtow to the buying "rules" of a fashion empire, even one that makes over two billion dollars a year. Therein lies the hook. Michael Tonello finds out the Waiting List for the elusive Birkin bag is camouflage. An interesting invention of Hermes, the prestigious, privately held company that handcrafts these goods. When he discovers he can get Birkins, he becomes a sort of Robin Hood, allowing people around the globe to purchase them. But this book is more than the sum of its hook, it's an enlightening, hilarious read. Everything is described in a manner that literally make you want to pack your bags for Spain, France and Beyond to experience the food, wine and sights he recounts.

Recently my two nieces came to my apartment for a sleepover. As usual, I try to introduce them to new things to even out the fast food, pop music, reality TV, Reality of Teenage Life. We ate sushi (which they now love.) Cognizant of college looming, I talked about finding a job that you love, thinking outside the box, and being open to new places and people. (Okay I don't see them much so I'm guilty of trying to cram a lot into one visit.) When they were wary of my speech, we talked books and I told them about Bringing Home The Birkin. I explained that it's a true story about a hair and make-up artist that did a job in Spain, realized he wanted to live there and moved. He didn't ponder over the negatives to the point of distraction or let people stop him. I told them he didn't speak Spanish and didn't know what a Birkin was but he educated himself and suddenly became a seller of all things Hermes. Not only did he make money, travel and find the love of his life but he Wrote A Book About It. I think they listened. It was hard to tell. At that point, we were walking by a clothing store and the music was blaring so whatever I said literally fell on deaf ears (why do stores have speakers that face outward nowadays?)

The next morning I dropped the college future/career goals and dreams talk. I laid out breakfast, put on the TV and there, on the CBS Early Show, was Mr. Tonello being interviewed about his book! My nieces looked from the TV screen to the book on the table and suddenly everything I spoke of was real to them. If he could do it, why couldn't they do whatever `it' was they wanted to do?

I thought Bringing Home The Birkin was an absolute inspiration. It made me laugh my face off. It educated me about food, wine and travel. It demystified the mystical Birkin Bag. It is making me seriously consider a move abroad, and it has already opened the minds of my nieces who haven't even read it yet!

What more could I ask for?

Mr. Tonello indeed is living proof that ANYONE these days can get a book deal. His book is full of half truths at best. Mr. Tonello details the trials and tribulations of acquiring a birkin from Heres. When the story begins we find him making a living as an amateur Hermes scarf seller. A lucky break in the form of a good contact results in him becoming the ultimate Hermes scarf reseller. At least according to HIM. Eventually he segues into selling birkins, but his beginning in that area is more than a little rocky. Throughout all of this he details the aspects of his blooming romance. I will admit the writing is somewhat amusing, how ever I hope everyone takes this stuff with a grain of salt. Mr. Tonello, sorry to say, has not cracked any "code" when it comes to Hermes. Please do not waste your money on this book. You can find information on the birkin on line simply by googling.

This book is the equivalent of all those mountain climbing, desert marching, storm sailing adventure books out there, but in this case the sport is shopping. (A sport I like to participate in myself, but my level is junior amateur in comparison.) It is also very similar to chick lit except that in this case instead of the typical spunky, unlucky in love, career, etc waiting for the big break heroine, this hero(ine?) is an openly gay man. who manages to turn a love and a knack for shopping into a business as well as quite a nice life for himself.

The book is subtitled My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag. That handbag being the Hermes Birkin. I have heard a few stories of the famous Birkin waitlist and there was even an episode of "Sex and the City" that featured the same. I have only seen a few Birkins in person on the arms of clearly wealthy women, but they are distinct enough to be instantly recognizable. They are the ultimate elite status symbol.

Mr. Tonello's business involved luxurious travel to major European destinations to purchase Birkins from Hermes shops and then re-selling them on E-Bay from his envy-inspiring apartment in Barcelona. His trials and triumphs are amusing and the hotels and dining he describes could serve as a travel guide. The story works because the author never takes himself to seriously or fails to realize what a charmed life he's leading. Mr. Tonello has an amazing positive attitude self described as "Always half-full, that glass, always." Which is from a section describing a stay in a hospital where he was treated for severe anemia.

A family tragedy brings about the eventual end of his Birkin hunting in the way that kind of thing can do by making you take a look at what you're actually spending your time doing. He could no longer deal with "people who lacked for nothing, but who longed for more" and got himself out before he became that way himself.

So, if you're in the mood for a light-hearted romp through the luxurious side of Europe I think you'll enjoy this one. I definitely did.