Review by Laura Cameron
I’m a pretty big fan of my Rhodia Goalbook (it’s looking a bit worse for wear these days after riding around in my purse for so long) so when I saw Rhodia had a slightly larger size notebook, I decided I wanted one. I purchased the Rhodia Soft Cover Rhodiarama 7.5″ x 9.75″ Silver Notebook ($26.95) to see if I had a good use for it.
The Rhodiarama 7.5″ x 9.75″ notebook is very much like the Goalbook, except that it doesn’t have the formatted index page and numbered pages. The Rhodiarama has Rhodia’s standard orange front and end pages, an elastic to hold the notebook shut, a ribbon bookmark and an expandable inner pocket inside the back cover. The notebook holds the same wonderful paper, 90 gsm ivory brushed vellum, and is available in both dot grid and lined. The book contains 80 pages. Covers are also available in Black, Taupe and Turquoise.
One of the things that excited me about this size is that I’ve been looking for a good journal for the last few years. I have plenty of pocket and A5 notebooks and I prefer those for my regular list making, jotting down notes, trying new inks and pens, etc. as they’re small enough to fit into my purse or daily carry bag. But when I sit down to write in a journal I really like a slightly larger, more substantial book. I like that this one isn’t a full 8.5″ x 11,” but still gives me lots of space to write. I feel like it’s going to be the perfect size for my bedside table.
Rhodia paper is pretty great. It’s hardy enough to tolerate most fountain pen inks, ballpoints, fine liners and gel pens. The only drawback with Rhodia is that the paper has a coating, and it isn’t the best for showing sheening inks. If sheening inks are your jam, you might want to stick with Tomoe River paper.
One final (fun) note about this notebook – if you’re ordering from Vanness Pen Shop, they can engrave the front cover for you! I didn’t have time to get mine done when I was there last, but I’m still pondering what I should get. What would you have engraved on yours?
Overall, I’ve been very pleased with the Rhodia line and I’m happy to add the Rhodiarama larger size to my collection (and my bedside table!)
DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
I too was/am excited my beloved Rhodia webbie is now available in a larger than A5 format. I received it about a month ago, but havent inaugurated it yet — your post is just the push I needed! (Mine is taupe).
great review Laura for a notebook I own but haven’t opened yet. I picked mine up at Vanness when I visited in April to replace a similar style notebook from Leuchtturm. It was the only notebook I owned that wasn’t either Rhodia or Clairefontaine and I got it because of its unique size that suited my needs perfectly. It’s almost full and I am looking forward to using this new one that I know stands up to any pen/ink combo I can throw at it.
It’s not “80 pages”, it’s 160 pages. 🙂
We meant to say 80 sheets. Sorry for the typo.