Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover, XL (7.5" x 9.5") Plain/Blank, Black, 192 Pages

I write notes. Lots of them. I use multiple notebooks at work -- one for each day's tasks, another for the week. Sure, I also use electronic note tools, but I like to write. The daily task book at work is one of those you can find at Staples or Walmart, and is okay, but nothing special. The weekly workbook is a sketchbook from Walmart and has torn up just about every nib of every pen I've tried. Enter the Moleskine for home ...At home, I needed notebooks to write down ideas, quotes and thoughts about several books I'm hoping to publish, so I purchased a few of these Moleskines. I use six colored Sharpie pens because I like color to segregate the different types of notes. The ink -- even from Sharpie pens -- does not bleed through at all. I suppose it might if I let the nib sit still for a length of time, but in normal writing, even with normal pauses, it does not. The pages, though thin, do not show through the printing to the other side enough to be bothersome -- it's there, but even when I turn the page and immediately write on the back, it still doesn't bleed through where lines cross and does not at all make it hard to read.The Moleskines are sewn -- who else makes a notebook that is sewn? Most are glued or wire bound. The Moleskine covers are very sturdy but super flexible -- almost leather like. The pages are inserted so the grain allows the pages to easily bend with the covers. Having the sewn in bookmark ribbon and the closure band are nice touches -- again, what other notebooks come with such features? I didn't think I'd use either, but have come to find both very handy and use them routinely.In short, the Moleskine Notebook's craftsmanship has inspired my notes and complements them well. My notebooks have become invaluable, and I will certainly be buying more of these.

I've been using this notebook for five years, and really love it. I only write in it using a pencil, so I don't have any ink bleeding / sheet thickness problems like other reviewers. The page texture is perfect for writing in pencil, and the sheet colors (slightly yellowish) are also perfect -- not too bright, not too dull -- and a pleasure to look at. Binding is high quality, and the pages fall flat so you always get a consistent writing experience whether you're on the left side or right side and regardless of what page you're on. These are great for writing things that you value and want to keep and cherish for a long time. The soft covers offer good protection, and the elastic closure keeps the pages together so they won't get accidentally creased or ripped when you stick the book in your backpack. I don't really use the inner pouch, but I think it may be quite useful for some. I've already filled about four of these and have ordered more.

I gave the Moleskine Classic Notebook five stars because it is one of my all time notebooks.The cover is firm but yet soft enough to flex and bend but does not lose its original shape.I write in these note books for work, and for a personal journal. The paper weight is perfect. I have a heavy hand and my writing does not leave a imprint of what was written on the previous page. I like how the pages are rounded and do not bend like a lot of the others that are square. I have not had any of my pen inks bleed through it. The bookmark is an awesome feature. It helps me keep track of where I am at or mark a page I need look at later. The paper is acid free which is a huge plus as many others I have bought are not acid free. The soft leather makes the notebook look really nice and I get compliments from people when the see me writing in it.The thread bound binding is also something I like having in my notebooks. Overall this note book is fantastic. I can't think of one thing I don't like about this note book. I would highly recommend this note book to anyone looking to get a journal or note tablet.

Love these notebooks/ sketchbooks! I find it really hard to draw in anything else since I started using them years and years ago! The texture of the paper is SO smooth and matte feeling! I've never had a problem with bleed through onto the next page, even tho the pages are a little thin but I personally like the thin pages because it makes tracing old drawings for a clean version super easy. I've just never felt like they were too thin as some seem to complain? I've used thick brush pens on them before and it was fine. The weight and texture of the paper is really perfect imo. I also really love the soft cover. Again something about the texture and weight just feels good in your hands and the pocket in the back is always useful. These notebooks also hold up great imo. I always fill mine before they ever fall apart so...yeah...(kinda feel like people who have an issue with them falling apart just abuse their belongings/ don't take care of their stuff. Like yeah, duh, it'll probably bust if you toss it in the bottom of a over-stuffed purse everyday or has been chilling on your bedroom floor for a month.🙄)ANYWAYS,The little ribbon bookmark it comes with I could live without and honestly, I might just rip/ cut it out since I think it takes away from the simple design of the notebook as a whole, since it's grey and not black and I've always found those just kinda annoying personally. But that's really my only 'problem' with it.Love these notebooks tho, I like the smaller soft cover ones that come in the 3 pack as well. I literally have been using them for years and years and years as a professional artist. If you like to draw and are picky about the texture of your stuff like me, get this.