In a world overflowing with innovative designs, people are always on the lookout for something unique — especially when it comes to personal accessories like wallets. The Novel Book wallet is one of those rare creations that instantly catches the eye, combining the love of literature with everyday practicality. But while it’s undeniably creative, the real question is: Can a book truly make a good wallet?
Let’s dive into the details of the world’s first Bookwallet, exploring its origin story, materials, features, usability, and whether it’s worth adding to your collection.
The Story Behind the Bookwallet
The Novel Book wallet wasn’t born in a design lab or a luxury leather studio — it came from the imagination of a passionate book lover who had a very relatable problem. The creator often misplaced his wallet and one day found it sitting in plain sight inside his car. That’s when inspiration struck: what if his wallet didn’t look like a wallet at all? If it looked like something else, like a book, perhaps no one would even think of stealing it.
And so, the idea for the Novel Book wallet was born — a wallet disguised as a miniature hardcover book. The concept is as charming as it is clever. During its Kickstarter campaign, the creator presented the wallet as a fusion of nostalgia and functionality, targeted at readers, students, and creative professionals who want something different from ordinary leather wallets.
The campaign was marketed around one clear slogan: “The World’s First Bookwallet.” While it might sound like a novelty, the idea carries an interesting blend of aesthetics and security — after all, who would steal a book from your dashboard?
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Novel Book wallet really does look like a small hardbound classic. The review sample features The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes as the cover choice — a fitting tribute to mystery and intrigue. But fans of other genres aren’t left out; there are 28 different book titles to choose from, covering everything from classic literature to contemporary favorites.
The wallet’s exterior design is its most distinctive feature. The creator used a cloth-bound hardcover material over a rigid backer board, closely mimicking the texture and feel of a real book. The book’s “spine” gives it an authentic appearance, which can easily pass as a miniature novel sitting on a shelf or tucked inside a bag.
However, this same hardcover design also introduces a few challenges. The backer board is stiff, and the corners are quite sharp and pointy, which can make it uncomfortable to carry in tighter pants pockets. While the hard surface protects the contents, it lacks the flexibility of soft leather or fabric wallets.
Inside, the construction is simple but functional. The interior panel is sewn, but it’s not attached to the backboard, which could raise concerns about long-term durability. The wallet’s internal lining is made from a vegan-friendly, non-plastic leather substitute — an environmentally conscious choice, though it doesn’t feel as premium or resilient as genuine leather. The inner wallet material is glued to the hardboard base, and that adhesive connection might wear out over time, especially with daily use.
Capacity and Functionality
The Novel Book wallet is not just a showpiece; it does function as a practical wallet — to a certain extent. On the right side of the interior, there are four horizontal slits for inserting cards. These slits run into each other, but they’re separated by thin fabric layers to prevent the cards from scratching or sticking together. There’s also an additional rear slot behind these, designed for extra cards or folded cash.
That gives you a total of six card slots, though realistically, the wallet feels most comfortable holding four to six cards without bulging. The company hasn’t specified an official capacity recommendation, which may leave users guessing how much they can carry safely without stressing the seams.
Cash storage is limited — this isn’t a wallet designed for carrying wads of bills. The back slot can accommodate some folded notes, but it’s better suited for minimalists who primarily use cards.
When it comes to usability, the wallet opens and closes easily like a small book. The rigidity helps it keep its shape, and it slides neatly into larger pockets or bags. However, because of its sharp corners and boxy structure, it may not be comfortable for everyone to carry in a front pocket.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The Novel Book wallet is designed in the United States but manufactured in China, which helps keep production costs manageable. Still, this has raised some eyebrows given its relatively high retail price. The use of vegan-friendly materials is a plus for eco-conscious buyers, though the craftsmanship doesn’t match the level of premium handcrafted leather wallets.
The cloth cover looks authentic and well-detailed, adding visual appeal, but it also makes the wallet more susceptible to wear and staining over time. The interior stitching feels adequate but not robust, and the glued sections on the backer board might weaken with repeated bending or temperature exposure.
In short, it’s more of an aesthetic triumph than a durability champion.
Size, Weight, and Portability
The wallet measures 4.25 x 3 x 0.7 inches and weighs about 42 grams, making it similar in size to a small paperback. While compact, it’s noticeably thicker than most minimalist wallets, largely due to the hardcover exterior.
Its bulkier form factor may deter those who prefer ultra-slim wallets. However, if you’re someone who carries your wallet in a bag or jacket pocket rather than tight jeans, this won’t be a major issue.
The Novelty Factor
Let’s face it — most people won’t buy the Book wallet for its practicality alone. Its true charm lies in its novelty. It’s an instant conversation starter and makes for a quirky gift, especially for bookworms or collectors of unique accessories.
Having your wallet disguised as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or Pride and Prejudice adds personality and humor to your daily carry. It also plays into the nostalgia of physical books in an increasingly digital world.
As an added bonus, the Bookwallet’s disguise feature might actually help deter theft. In a car or on a desk, it genuinely looks like a small book — not something a casual thief would think to grab.
Price and Value
When evaluating value, the Novel Book wallet sits in a strange place. It’s not cheap, yet it doesn’t quite deliver the premium feel you’d expect for its price. Reviewers have speculated that licensing costs for using recognizable book titles may contribute to the higher price tag.
In the scoring breakdown, reviewers gave it:
- Quality: 1/5
- Price: 2/5
- Features: 3/5
- Usability: 3/5
- Perception/Design: 3/5
That brings the final score to 2.2 out of 5 — a fair reflection of a wallet that shines more in creativity than in everyday practicality.
Final Verdict: A Novel Idea with Limited Practicality
The Novel Book wallet is a fun, imaginative concept executed with passion and creativity. It brings together the love of books and the functionality of a wallet in a way that feels truly original. However, it’s also clear that this is a product designed more for its aesthetic appeal and storytelling value than for long-term durability or everyday convenience.
If you’re a collector, a book enthusiast, or someone who appreciates unique conversation pieces, the Novel Book wallet will definitely make you smile. It’s an excellent gift idea, and its hidden-in-plain-sight concept adds a clever layer of security.
But if you’re looking for a reliable daily wallet that will stand up to heavy use, the Book wallet might disappoint over time. The stiff construction, glued interior, and sharp edges reduce comfort and durability.
In summary, the Novel Book wallet is a creative novelty, not a practical replacement for a traditional wallet. It’s clever, charming, and conversation-worthy — just don’t expect it to be your forever wallet.
