WERTIOO Journals Notebooks, Leather Diary Hardcover Classic Writing Notebook A5 160 Pages 100 gsm Thick Paper Business for Men Women (Ruled, Brown)

I've been using dot grid notebooks for over six years and have been through many brands. I already have my main books set up for this year, but I had a project come up that required its own notebook. I'm partial to dot grid notebooks, but the brand I usually use has a limited cover selection and I didn't want to get my books confused. So, I chose to look for something new. The cute cover design and blue-green color of this notebook caught my eye, it didn't have pre-numbered pages (something I dislike) and the low price was great. The notebook was also available for next day delivery, so I ordered.Upon receiving the notebook today, I found that the cover is as nice as expected, but the inside of the book left a lot to be desired. I'll go over what I do and don't like, as well as what I was not expecting, below.The Good1) Cute cover design. I bought the blue-green book, which is a little more blue than green. It has a cute embossed tree on the cover. The cover seems sturdy. There's a single ribbon at the top of the book for marking pages. I'm used to two ribbons, but find one perfectly acceptable.2) There's a pocket at the back of the book for holding notes, templates or other small items. Although it could be just a little deeper, the pocket seems sturdy and quite flexible. There's also an elastic strap to wrap around the front of the book and hold it closed.3) The paper quality is good. It's smooth and the weight is decent. I tested all colors of Tombow Brush pens and Artist Loft brush pens, as well as a number of Stabilo Point and Pen markers. None of them feathered or or bled through the pages. Ghosting is also fairly minimal. Even my Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, dip pen with Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleedproof Ink and fountain pen (don't recall the ink brand) did not bleed through. Overall, ghosting in these books is fairly minimal, IMHO.The Bad1) The binding is very tight, leading to some buckling of the pages throughout the book. They don't sit as smooth and flat as I'm used to with my usual books . The buckling takes away from the overall look of the pages and any spreads I might create. If this is typical of these books, then it's something the manufacturer needs to address.2) I'm used to slightly off-white pages and from the photos on the website, I expected the pages to be close to my other books. Nope! Next to the off-white pages in my other journals, these pages are significantly more yellow. I'm not a fan of the color. I'd recommend that those planning to do any artwork in these books do test swatches in the back to ensure they know what color they'll be getting in advance, as the yellow of the page will alter the color.3) Lastly, the dots on the pages are quite a bit darker than I expected. I'm used to very light, faint dots that do not detract from any sketches or designs that I may draw. These stand out quite a bit than I would like. I fully expect that I will find them rather distracting.The UnexpectedThe first four pages are taken up with an information page and three years worth of calendars labeled "Time Diary" pages. I typically don't like pre-filled pages and avoid books with them. These pages are neither shown nor mentioned anywhere in the listing for this item, so I had no idea they were there when I ordered. I did not buy this book to be a BuJo or daily journal, so these pages really don't fit my needs, especially the 'personal information' page at the front of the book! While some might love their inclusion, I would prefer they not be there.Overall, these books are decent quality, but could easily be improved. They do not really fit my tastes or preferences in a dot grid notebook and I don't expect that I will order them again. I hope you find this review helpful.

As far as notebooks go, this is essentially a sure bet. The covers are made with a pretty decent feeling leather - and the pages themselves seem to be of quality. Good thickness and no bleeding (I only use pens so might see some bleeding with thicker markers like sharpies, etc)I sifted through many options so I was pretty happy this one turned out well, don’t stress over your next notebook, this one will do you well.Overall, for the price you really can’t beat it. I’ll definitely be ordering again soon.

Such a well made journal. Absolutely love it and will be buying more.

Very nice quality but if you plan on writing a lot the pages are short with not as many lines to write on each page as expected. I’m keeping though.

Perfect! It's so pretty, and durable! The pages are thick and good for mistakes. Erasers don't tear up the pages! The pages are lightly lined which personally, I appreciate since I used them to guide my handwriting. It has a personal memorand, a 3 year calendar in the front, and a pocket in the back. Highly recommended!

Love the material and the look, simple and clean. The blue color looked even better in person (just my opinion)

The elastic band is a nice addition, to hold the journal closed (and keep pages safe). I like the ribbon bookmark, too, so I can easily find my place. I started with Sharpies, but those bled through, so I switched to some fine point markers I had. I love that the journal actually lies flat - so a two-page format flows easily from one page to the other. I also thought this was a pretty great deal for a perfectly sized journal.

I love these dotted notebooks/journals. Beautiful design and great quality. I like the paper and have no complaints. A lot cheaper then other brands but still wonderful quality. I’ve bought 2 and plan to buy more.