Minimalism Art, Classic Soft Cover Notebook Journal, Medium Size, A5 5.8" x 8.3", 176 Pages, Premium Thick Paper 100gsm, Fine PU Leather, Ribbon Bookmark, San Francisco (Squared, Black)

I have used several journals including LT1917, STM, and A&O and I have to say, these journals are among my absolute favorites, if not the most favorite. I have watercolored lightly, stamped, used matte medium and pens that would normally bleed through most paper, and this journal has held up beautifully. Though I typically prefer paper 120 gsm plus because I like using matte medium and watercolor in mine, the paper in this has held up remarkably well. It does crinkle a bit, but that is to be expected and I've had great luck with being able to flatten the pages enough so they aren't warped too much.I am an overstuffer in my journals — mine are very sticker, craft paper, ephemera and washi tape heavy. I have yet to have a problem with the binding breaking or any damage to this journal. These books are very well crafted and can truly take a beating!Let's talk about the look and feel. The paper is so so smooth. I don't like super creamy colored pages and usually go for true white. However, I do like the color of these pages. I personally like the color of the dots as well, they are dark enough to see what you are doing and are able to line things up, but are not super distracting. I love the variety of colors MA offers for the soft cover line and the feel of the cover is lightly pebbled, but can still be dressed up with decals and vinyl if you choose. As a leather lover, I really like the feel of the cover :) I also love that they only place one bookmark and no pen loop. I usually put my journals in custom covers to protect them, so pen loops and bookmarks are usually snipped out, but I've kept the bookmark in mine.One thing I especially love is the absence of the key pages and future logs. I use my dot journal in a one page per day format, rarely keep collections (if I do they are in the very back), so the absence of these pages is my preference, but they can be easily drawn in.The value of these journals to me is the best part. You can get an extremely good quality journal for an amazing price and with the Prime shipping, you get it quickly!Thank you Minimalism Art for creating a great notebook at an even better price! I will for sure be repurchasing.

Beautiful product! I wanted to get a nice looking, professional journal that I could write random notes in and to do lists--I'm not a bullet journal connoisseur or anything. So I searched for a journal, but the classic OG journals are super pricey so I chose this one instead. This size is perfect! plenty of space unlike pocket sized notebooks, but not too large like carrying around a spiral notebook. I've got some compliments and people taking pictures of the back of the notebook to take note of(haha) the brand. The pages are slippery (in a good, soft way), thick and the dots aren't too prominent. The ribbon is still in mine and the cover is intact. I've been throwing around this journal like crazy into my book bags and the only damage is on the boarders-the plastic lining is pealing off. Also ripping out pages is a no go, others start to fall out, because they are bond by string, but I didn't expect this not to happen since it isn't perforated or has a spiral. Bending the front cover back causes creases. Oh If the company reads this! I wish y'all would have made the first page for the "in case of lost please return to" in a different color. The black is sharp looking, but you can't see the info with regular pen or pencil, you'd have to write it with a white marker probably?

I’ve used Moleskine notebooks for over 10 years. For journaling, notes, tracking, random thoughts; just a portable daybook, really. I’m old school, so often I can’t be bothered to text myself when I have to make a brief note of have a random thought. I discovered Minimalism Art through Amazon suggestions, and bought this notebook as a trial run, since I was on my last Moleskine.I am in love with *everything* about the softcover A5 blue notebook. Simple enough for my needs, but a completely quality notebook. I carry one in my handbag always, and it’s sturdy enough to hold up to daily wear & tear. The Moleskines were constantly being beat up from riding around in my handbag. Also, I prefer to write with fountain pens, and the Moleskine paper would bleed through. Not so with this journal. Amazing, thick ivory paper. I *love* this shade of blue. I love the black inside covers. I love having a bookmarking ribbon. And you can't beat the value for the price. Minimalism Art, please never stop making these notebooks, especially in blue! I’m a fan forever. Thank you!I forgot to mention. The book has a great "hand feel," if that makes sense. Comfortable in the hand; I can fold the cover back to write with the notebook on my lap, or lay it out flat to write on a desk. Again, highly recommend!