Simply GeniusA5 Notebooks for Work, Travel, Business, School & More - College Ruled Notebook - Hardcover Journals for Women & Men - Lined Books with 192 pages, 5.7" x 8.4"(Pink, 4 Pack)

I actually don't really want to call it a "budget" journal because that would imply it has severe quality compromises. Maybe "an excellent notebook especially if you're on a budget but even if you're rich."The paper actually does pretty well with fountain pen ink, as you can see in my pics (Ajisai didn't feather, it smudged when I touched it immediately after writing, which was my b). Obviously it depends on the ink but I was surprised it did so well with the three inks I tested. The color of the notebook was pretty accurate to what I saw on my phone screen, maybe leans a little more green than I expected but not different enough that I would complain. Nobody else has an inexpensive baby blue notebook like this. Its so cute.The paper feels pretty nice to write on. Cream color. Not too smooth, not scratchy, and a bit thin. Theres a bit of ghosting, and it could bleed if you're not careful but I used Tomoe River paper religiously, a little ghosting is nothing to me personally. Paper thickness doesn't have a direct relationship with bleeding/feathering, and it doesn't mean worse quality. Thick paper means heavier, bigger notebooks for the same amount of writing area, as a notebook with the same amount and size of pages with a lower poundage paper.Simply Genius has a pretty good and inexpensive product here. It reminds me a lot of the Rhodiarama, from the feel of the cover to having the exact same features and similar feeling paper, except a quarter the cost. The other difference is the lines extend all the way to the end of the sheets though, so you can see them when the book is closed, which I find kind of unattractive (they say it looks "professional" but I bet my bottom dollar its cheaper to print it this way) but its also more space efficient. Top/bottom margins are very small too. I love the lack of branding, only a tiny printed logo on the inside back cover. There are no construction issues that I can see. I should have bought a 20-pack, they'd look great lined up on the shelf.

They're a great size and very durable. They're my daughter's favorite journals. I highly recommend.

This product truly met my needs! I love the quality and craftmanship!

Let me start by saying that I find that the sturdiness of this product deserves the 4 stars I gave it, pretty solid all around, my only complaint would be on the ribbon that is used as book mark, it could’ve been a little more tough, but it fulfills its function.The quality of the paper is good, not white, is that yellowish kind, I like it, no sheerness to it, you can’t see through, unless you’re a savage and have a heavy hand, I use a gel pen on it and I liked how it works.I was hesitant about the faux leather, but it’s not bad looking, looks like plastic fabric, not shiny and solid. The pocket in the back is cool, but I find it useless, but maybe someone could have a better use for it. I wish it had a pen holder of sorts, in my book that will add another star. Great value for sure!

I like things that are modest, but quality in appearance and this fits the bill…I like that is has a ribbon where I can mark my last page I wrote on instead of flipping through to find where I left off. I’m using it for a Bible notes journal and I feel confident that it’s construction will hold up enough to where I can pass it on to my children one day. Great product for $6.25 a piece

What I likes about this item that it was very eloquent for as a gift. But I only wish these books were bigger so I could store more space.

Better than expected. Soft exterior, binding hasn't split, good quality paper. I'll definitely be purchasing more as needed. They are also actually standard journal size!! This was most important to me as I kept finding pocket journals at this price. They are the same size as all other journals I have that were much more expensive.If you need a bunch and you're considering buying one as a trial before getting a larger pack, don't worry. Take the leap and you'll be fine.

Great looking books!! Love them!

Good quality but the cover is surprisingly noisy. Squeaks every time I put pressure on the page, which can get annoying in a quiet environment.

Gréât colour make it easy to spot and pretty solid...

Quick delivery & reasonably priced.

These look like a good note book only negative thing is that they took too long to arrive

Elegant books, though long time in shipment. Love them… worth the wait.