Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black, 192 pages

These Moleskine classics are my favorite. I've been using them for years but only in the last six months switched to the plain (rather than lined) notebook. It was a game changer as I can now think and plan in a non linear, more visual manner which is much more creative and free flowing. I also highly recommend the soft cover as I recently discovered you can fold it back to focus on one page and the quality of the notebook isn't remotely damaged. It's the perfect size to throw into a small bag or even a coat pocket (a big coat pocket) and sit down on a park bench to reflect. Be careful: this notebook may just make your ideas better!

Moleskine makes a great product and have for years... these notebooks are no different.. they're durable and iconic... strongly recommend

On a whim, I decided to start a journal. I had heard of Moleskine before, but never owned this or any other journal. However, what I wanted was a soft-covered book that is small and portable. This is both. It's flexible due to the soft cover and thinnish pages, and that adds to a feel in my hands that I wanted. The thinnish pages are a slight drawback because gel pens or similar will sort of bleed through on the back of the page, and depending on the pen, may go to the next new page. Writing with a ball point pen is somewhat visible on the backside of the page, but no leak-through, and the indentation is visible on the next new page. I think it goes with the territory of a small, flexible book with lots of pages, so no demerit for that.

The paper so thin, writing with a pen leaves an imprint on the other side. This doesn't happen when I write on white printing paper. I also found it distracting to see the writing on the opposite side of the pages since they're more transparent than white printing paper. I do like the fell of the cover, the bookmark string, and the elastic band that holds the notebook together so the pages doesn't get destroyed if you throw it into your purse. However, I don't see myself making another purchase.Update: I've updated my rating from 2 to 4 stars. I found that the paper in this notebook works better with a good fountain pen. The paper is quite thin and you can see through it, but the fountain pen doesn't leave an impression like a ballpoint pen. On the other hand, I like the number of pages that fits inside the notebook and this could be made possible by the thin paper. I recommend a memo-sized clipboard with a low profile clip if you are planning on taking notes in places that doesn't have a table since the cover is soft.

I haven't recieved this yet, but I already know it will be awesome. I've used them before. The cover feels great, it has a nifty band to keep it closed, and it just feels good to write in. Get it with a #1 Micron pen and you will not write in any other notebook ever again.I'm a terrible planner. I can't make a to do list to save my life. But for some reason, that all changes when I'm writing in a Moleskine. Writing is enjoyable with a Moleskine, such that making lists is a thing I actually want to do now. This is why I use them. Were it not for that, I'd never get anything accomplished.

It's my seventh year and running with using these notebooks. Moleskine is by far my favorite and I love the soft-skin better than the hardback. It just makes for better traveling. It's unfortunate that the soft-back is more expensive than the hardback though. I'd still buy it. Be warned though, after a few years, the paper pocket can rip and then if you're putting in keepsakes, they may fall out and you may lose them. I've tried reinforcing it with tape, but that only comes off after a month or two.

After using Moleskine notebooks for several years, we recently purchased a couple for our toddler daughters. The pages are tough enough that they can't easily mutilate them, are sturdy enough to withstand 'aggressive' coloring and writing, and the notebook itself is a nice size to use as both a place to draw and a place to paste stickers (taken with a photo sticker printer) to document adventures. The cover of the notebook appears well made and now that ours are completely coated with stickers I can say that they hold up well (so, is in fact well made!).Two other things about the Moleskine notebooks that I like are the pocket in the back and the strap for holding it closed. I've bought the cheap knockoff Picadilly notebooks before and not only does the strap stretch out to become unusable almost immediately but the pocket is flimsy and doesn't hold up. I only use that notebook for taking seminar notes once a week and it 'died' very quickly. Conversely, the Moleskine displays a care in workmanship and quality of materials that is easily evident upon removing the shrink wrap.These notebooks (any of them, but the large, plain in particular) are excellent for long-term, everyday use for anyone. Durable enough for toddlers, yet useful and flexible (application-wise) enough for an adult. A joy to use!

The Moleskine books as a whole are some of the best in class notebooks for person or professional notes or projects. If you are on the fence about these books, I would encourage you to buy them as they hold up better than any other notebooks I've used in the past. They look classy, have wonderful texture, and are very durable. I would recommend these to everyone! The only downside I've experienced so far is that one set of pages at the back of the notebook seems to emit a sonic scream. Luckily this scream only aurorally appears when you've turned to that specific page. Maybe your purchase will be different!