Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Having had very good satisfaction with multiple previous (Amazon-branded) leather Kindle covers, I was somewhat reluctant to purchase this one, not due to price, but rather some of the other unfavorable reviews and photos. I was prepared to send back if not as advertised. In fact, when this fist arrived, I wasn’t sure it was really the correct case based on some of those reviews and photos. HOWEVER, … I was not only PLEASANTLY SURPRISED, I am DELIGHTED with the quality and obvious engineering thought that went into every aspect of this design. I will first admit the finish is NOT what is generally one thinks of when one assumes a smooth coated (dyed) finish on the leather. In my personal opinion, this is FAR BETTER. Grip is absolutely amazing. The short suede raw finish gives an incredibly nice yet secure feel. I was (pre)concerned about the added bulk of a case. PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AGAIN. I was also concerned about how it lays flat and bulk while reading. ANOTHER SURPRISE … when folded back the magnetic cover firmly latches to the back….and lays flat! I previously “thought” I would want to remove from the case …. NOPE … it stays in the case now!!! ... but can be removed relatively easy. An interesting discovery: Audible WILL run with the case closed …. Mine “without ads” goes to the screensaver, light off, and audible still runs via Bluetooth …. NICE TOUCH AMAZON! Some of the issues/complaints/expectations others have mentioned are probably understandable. Unlike many typical leather products, the color and finish are really NOT able to be photographed very well. If one is expecting a smooth and shiny Italian leather finish this is NOT the cover for you. If one is expecting a soft supple Napa type leather, well this isn’t “that” either. However, if one wants an excellent feel and grip that the metal back and no previous kindle cover has provided, then this is probably the one. In my opinion and summary .. I really wished I had not put of buying for so long. This is the best Kindle and the BEST COVER to date. [UPDATE] - After some time of daily use, my 5 star rating still stands ...and I would probably give it 6 now if i could. The pictures of scratched up cases that others have shown in the past just don't hold true on this unit. Mine even beating around the house, in my computer bag, many hundred miles of travel, still looks as good (or better) than the day it arrived. Any "scratch" that appeared was simply "wiped" away. The feel/grip of this leather (although hard to describe) is great ... I would love to have it on other devices as well. Very pleased and would most definitely still recommend! [3.5 YEAR UPDATE] - Yeah ...still in use after 3 and a half years. Minor wear but has held up remarkable well. Ive added a few pics to show condition after all these years. It has turned out to be a great purchasing decision! Has been worth every penny to me .... and has kept my Kindle as the day it was new ... almost a thousand books, audiobooks, and documents later!