I probably have an unhealthy Moleskine affection.
I grew up sketching and making to-do lists. So when I stumbled across the Moleskine display at a Barnes & Noble in 2006, the chemistry was instantaneous. This wasn’t a cheap Mead Five Star notebook. It wasn’t a fancy art sketchpad unfit for business meetings. Oh no. This was a Moleskine–the legendary notebook.
After paying ten dollars, I pulled out the trifold insert housed within the back cover. It disclosed the historical aficionados of Moleskines–Picasso, Hemingway, and van Gogh. And if this notebook worked for them, it certainly should work for me. I’ve tried a few different varieties and sizes over the years, but my favorite is the squared large notebook. I rarely need graph paper grid, but I like to think I need it. If graphing isn’t your thing, however, have no fear. If you are looking for a journal to catalogue your favorite films or you are a Hobbit-loving fan of Middle Earth, there is a Moleskine for you.

Since that day, I’ve not even glanced at another notebook. Why would I? The Moleskine is everything a notebook should be. If you’ve never unwrapped one of these French jotters, let me recount what separates Molekines from everything else.

1. Moleskines fold flat. It’s a simple quality, but it makes all the difference. Moleskine’s flat-folding nature makes writing on its crisp pages work better than any other pad. I’ve not yet found a comparable competitor.
2. Moleskines withstand stand the rigor of life. I envision the Moleskine factory filled with French artists hand-weaving these pads while drinking lattes, accompanied by traveling minstrels floating through the factory. That might not be true, but whatever wizardry they use, Moleskines are well-built. My only complaint is with the binding quality. Mine typically accompany me to every meeting and church service for 2-3 years, jostling along inside bags and resting on coffee shop tables all the while. And the binding typically weakens at the end of the tenure. So they aren’t perfect, but they are darn close.
3. Moleskines make things stick. Research suggests we remember more when we write than when we type. And suggests the process of writing is a healthy cognitive exercise. This is why I prefer the Moleskine to Evernote, which is certainly the coolest of electronic note taking tools. Paper and pens trump stylus and screens. Every time.
4. Moleskines fit any setting. Like a classy pair of jeans, Moleskines work in business meetings and in social settings. They are fancy enough for an important presentation or casual enough for coffee with an old friend. There’s never a bad place to Moleskine.

This might come across like an advertisement. And I guess it is. But Moleskine isn’t giving me anything for writing these niceties—apart from an exceptional product I’ve purchased. The same is true for Southwest, Costco, Western Union and the other companies serving their customers, like me, with laudable care and craftsmanship. Moleskines aren’t for everyone. And my glowing endorsement might not mean much. But if you’re between notebooks or you are suffering from iPad fatigue, take a Moleskine for a calligraphic spin.