UPDATE:★★★ - Giving 3 stars now for quality workmanship.PROBLEM: Horrific smell as mentioned in the first review. I put the book in a box, put down a thick layer of baking soda, then put the book on that, sprinkled some baking soda on the inner covers front and back then closed the book and put a thick layer of baking soda on top. Then sealed the box with tape and wrapped the box in a trash bag. Yeah, it was that STRONG of a chemical smell.2 days later, the smell was very reduced... BUT if you have a good nose, your still going to smell that chemical on there, its just after 2 days in the box it no longer makes the whole house smell badly.THE GOOD: I was able to test a cheap dip pen on the back page, I included an image. The ink is obviously thin and cheap, but it didn't seem to be blotchy! So I suspect you dont absolutely have to have a ball point to write in there... WHEW!THE GREAT: Paper is extremely THICK! Wow to that, the lines are dot dot so not overwhelming to look at. Blends nice with the paper so your own writing really POPS! ★★★The cover is very thick, it will last easily for many many years with daily use. Really shocked at that, since now days most things are so cheap. Here you have QUALITY no doubt about it.FINAL SAY: Well, even though the chemical smell was an experience to deal with, now that I know how to get it under control, I may order another smaller one. Honestly the quality is worth it and I just hope the rest of the smell will fade over time. See my photos for sizing and things of the medium sized book. I tried to answer for you in photos, all the questions I had before I bought lolol. Best wishes to everyone!__________________________________________old review:I purchased this journal for a keepsake of sorts. After receiving it, I have become very disappointed. The size is great, I purchased the medium and will update this review with measurements from the actual lined writing space later.PROBLEM = The leather has a HORRIFIC EYE WATERING, LUNG BURNING CHEMICAL SMELL. I wear traditional leather moccasins so I know what leather dyed smells like. This is not that smell. Not sure what chemical they used on the cover as I figure its that. I don't think its the pages but maybe the pages smell soaked into the leather cover.I did see a review from someone else on that issue, but figured it was an isolated problem. Apparently it is not. I really wish this had come as wonderful as the other reviews said theirs did. If there are other books the size your looking for, I suggest you go that way for now.SOLUTION = I am trying to de smell it with baking powder, its been 24 hours and its not made a dent in the books aroma. It might not be salvageable. If I manage to make it bearable I will update here as well.