Life's Accessories: A Memoir

by Rachel Levy Lesser

Rachel Levy Lesser can relive almost every significant life event through an accessory. A scarf, a pair of earrings, a bag, even a fleece pair of socks―each contains the elements that put together the story of a life. Life’s Accessories is a funny, sad, touching, relatable, shake-your-head-right-along-as-you-laugh-and-wipe-away-tears, coming-of-age memoir. In fourteen essays, Lesser tackles sensitive issues like anxiety, illness, and loss in a way that feels a bit like having a chat with a good friend. Out of the stories comes solid life―and fashion―advice. About far more than just a hair tie, a bracelet, or a belt, Life’s Accessories is a window into the many ways in which Lesser has come to understand life―in all of its beauty, its joys, its sorrows, its heartaches, its challenges, and its absurdity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

160 pages, paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Rachel Levy Lesser’s articles and essays have appeared in various outlets including The Huffington Post, Glamour.com, Parenting.com, Kveller, Modern Loss, Scary Mommy and The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. She is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and received her MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan. In her previous life as a marketing professional, Rachel worked on the business side of Time Inc. on magazines including InStyle, Life, People, Real Simple and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Rachel is the author of four books including Life’s Accessories which will be released in November 2019. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have songs or meals or other items or things that can help bring back a special time in your life? My life definitely has a soundtrack. When I hear a song, I can be taken right back to a time when I heard it and practically see and hear myself listening to it. For Rachel Levy Lesser, it’s accessories. They take her back to each snapshot in the time of her life.

Life’s Accessories is her memoir, and it’s not really about the accessories at all. It’s about life. Rachel openly shares her life, and the difficulties she’s approached with grace and honesty. She also shares the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Overall, I enjoyed my time spent with Rachel. It was like listening to a friend over lunch.

I received a complimentary copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Levy Lesser recalls fourteen stories from her past while weaving in one significant object acquired during that period. The events surrounding these objects are significant and help the author reflect back in time.

Each vignette touches on everyday life experiences and includes dating, work experience, and getting through motherhood. These stories were very relatable and I found myself nodding my head while reading the book.

Rachel has a sharp introspection and she carefully teases out many of the funny truths that we often keep to ourselves. She brings to life many of the mundane issues while keeping the reader engaged. I look forward to future works from this author.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir, reading Lesser's memoir was like sitting and talking with a friend all afternoon.
Listening to a friend talk about things of great significance from their past all the while thinking about your past.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life’s Accessories by Rachel Levy Lesser is a wonderful memoir and a collection of anecdotes and essays that documents her journey from adolescence to adulthood.

The stories ponder on the lessons learned in poignant periods of her life, while creatively using accessories from a ring, scarf a belt or a handbag to weave those memories she shares.

I found the voice in her writing to be bold, kind, humble, witty and funny! It was relatable and truly heartwarming, sometimes sad but always honest and definitely stylish!

I enjoyed this quick read very much.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Rachel Levy Lesser to be extremely relatable. We grew up in the same era, we're both Jewish, we both went through an awkward phase, we're both mothers, etc.

I enjoyed reading her memories about growing up, how she met her husband because of fate, her views on motherhood, etc. It was sad to hear about what she went through with her mom being sick, but she had an honest outlook on grief and this book would be good for anyone going through something similar. It's almost like having Rachel there to hold your hand through it because she's been there already.

There was a lot of humor and heart to this book. I could relate most to the challenges of making mom friends. While I'm not all about accessories like she is, I do have a few treasured possessions that take me back to certain times.

Rachel went off on tangents a lot throughout the book, but isn't that normal when people are talking with their friends? I could definitely see being friends with Rachel if I met her in person!

If you're looking for an easy and relaxing book during this stressful time (or anytime, really), don't hesitate to pick this one up!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

( 3.5 stars ) Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Review can be found here at Booked J.

Standard disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher and my friends at BookSparks in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.

"Had I been wearing a hat, I would have thrown it up in the air. I had made it after all."

What a fun memoir! This is how my mind operates. Life's Accessories showcases Rachel's life in a way that speaks to me on a specific level. I have this theory that everyone has at least one item in their possession (or, had one item in their possession) that they associate with a very specific, very vivid moment of their life. Memory is a tricky, tricky thing, but I've always found it interesting that some of my most prominent memories all tie back into something else.

With sensory memories, I hear a song or smell a perfume or see a yellow dress and just like that, I start reminiscing. So, reading Life's Accessories was not unlike walking down memory lane myself. The experience was fun and light, but still intimate and thoughtful. Whilst it's not the same story--the way that this memoir unravels reminded me very much so of a more in depth version of Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

Not only do we learn a great deal of Rachel Levy Lesser's heart and soul, and what items she is able to associate with memories good and bad, Life's Accessories gives a spark of inspiration to jot down memories of our own. Immediately after finishing, I found myself thinking of the many memories I have.

It goes without saying: I really enjoyed this one.

Life's Accessories is only as good as its author and the life she has lived thus far. Which is what makes this memoir stylish, memorable and beautifully written. Rachel Levy Lesser comes across on page as truly alight with life. Life's Accessories is all that a memoir should be--thoughtful, charming and humorous; it was a wonderful treat to curl up with during the first snow of the season.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say it. Twenty Twenty is turning out to be a year of branching out of my reading comfort zone……and falling in love with what I try. Again, I’m not a big memoir reader but I’ve read a few recently that just instantly grip me and make me feel better about myself. This one…..this one is a phenomenally written and absolutely captivating. I loved it!

As some who has dealt with the death of my own mother, helping my father through his own cancer battle, and struggling with my own severe anxiety and depression, I felt an absolute connection to Lesser as I read this. I felt as if each essay was written just for me. Her inclusion of fashion was wonderfully down.

The writing style of Lesser is superbly unique. Again, I don’t normally read Memoirs but lately, I’m falling in love with them. Lesser’s memoir left me in tears, wishing my mama could have read this with me. But, it did more than that. It gave me hope. It gave me a new friend. It gave me laughs and lessons I’ll cherish for ever. Grab a copy of this book now! You won’t be sorry.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a pretty big minimalist who doesn’t like a lot of clutter. My rule is if it isn’t functional or sentimental, it goes, so I really enjoyed this memoir shared in the form of essays about how Rachel Levy Leaser ended up with the items that have meant the most to her.

It was fun getting to know Rachel through this book. Her writing style, witty, humble and honest reminded me of Nora Ephron. Her stories were very thought-provoking and left me thinking about the things in my life and the meaning behind them.

This was an easy one to read in pieces and I recommend it when you’re in the mood to reminisce.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Mom_Loves_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life's Accessories" is part of Booksparks #SelfCareTour and is quite a gem! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll relate to at least a story or two (probably several!) It's short, but sweet and quite enjoyable! The cover of this book is just precious in all its beautiful, baby pink glory! (I love baby pink!) But the book is so much more than it's striking cover. Dealing with sensitive and serious issues, it is engaging, original, humorous and charming. The essays are heartfelt, poignant and reflective and will strike a chord deep in your soul. I enjoyed it very much and have already recommended it to several friends and family members.
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"Life's Accessories" publishes on 11/5 from #SheWritesPress . Add it your TBR list today! #booksparks

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "Life's Accessories A Memoir and Fashion Guide" by Rachel Levy Lesser, She Writes Press, 11/19, for Suzy Approved Book Tours

"Life's Accessories A Memoir and Fashion Guide" by Rachel Levy Lesser is a unique and creative memoir. I enjoyed reading the different essays or chapters about the author's life, each noted by a different token or accessory that was so meaningful. 

The author writes about her wanting to fit in with the other students in her new school.  She wears the same clothing as the other students and has a signet ring created that isn't an heirloom, but is significant to her and makes her feel part of the student community.

Rachel Levy Lesser mentions that when she gets engaged, it is important to her that her ring looks the same as her mother's ring. Her then-fiance makes her wishes come true and produces a ring that makes her dreams come true.

 Another memorable moment is when Rachel is given a promotion in an important job, she decides to treat herself for a Kate Spate Bag for her papers. 

It seems as the author gets more mature, she strays away from what everyone else has, and creates what is meaningful to her. It could be an "inside scarf" or a "Happy Scarf".

I appreciate that the author often remembers the accessories as either gifts or tributes to and from loved ones and her living experiences. I found this memoir entertaining, witty and enjoyable and started to think of special accessories and mementos that I have. I would recommend this memoir to readers who enjoy memoirs, and fashion and accessories.

[kglibrarian (Karin Greenberg) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day back in November, on my commute to work, I heard Rachel Levy Lesser on the Mom's Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast and loved every minute of her interview. When I got to work, I immediately went on the author's website, began reading her essays, and was even more intrigued. But then my busy schedule got in the way and it wasn't until this quarantine that I ordered and read this book. I knew even before I opened it that I would love it (something about the bubblegum pink cover and whimsical drawings).

I truly feel as if I just spent a long day with a friend, digging deeply into our lives. Lesser's memoir is told in that no-nonsense, conversational tone that makes it look like it was easy to write. But any writer knows that it's incredibly hard to conquer that concise writing style that delivers so much emotion without being sappy or cliche. Each chapter of the book is framed by a single fashion accessory that has been meaningful to her at some point in her life. The fashion angle is subtle, though, letting the real story be about the relationships, emotions, fears, and experiences of her life. College, sleep away camp, dating, careers, marriage, kids. . .she tackles it all, including the heart wrenching grief of losing someone close to her. As she tells the specific details of her own path, her words are like invitations to open up thoughts of similar stages in your own life, and I found myself lost in personal memories and reflections.

Life's Accessories kept me entertained from start to finish. I could have read many more chapters of Lesser's insightful, humorous, touching stories.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing memoir! Rachel Levy Lesser has written amazing heartfelt essays that document her life. While reading this memoir I felt like I was sitting down drinking coffee and talking with a friend. The book has fourteen stories that include accessories that hold special meanings and memories to her such as a ring, handbag, a scarf and belt as some of the examples. Some of these moments she reflects on are summer camp, falling love having a child and even finding out her mother has cancer. This book made me reflect on some of my own accessories, my wedding ring, my maternity dresses that I wore while I was pregnant, a perfume bottle that I saved that my husband got me as a gift when we first started dating . A baby blanket that I brought my son home from the hospital with. Deep In my closet in a tote you will find another baby blanket from my second son that I lost because he was born to early. It’s amazing how we hold on to items that hold so many different memories some that are happy and some that are extremely sad and even though their sad it’s still a memory we don’t want lose. I give this book four stars! This book definitely a book that made me reflect on little and big moments in my life.

[Jill (chill_jilland_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has an article of clothing that they can place with a memory. For me, it is the ruby ring my Gran gave me before she passed away. To her, she was passing down a piece of jewelry she loved to a granddaughter to enjoy just because "red looks good on you." About six years later, rubies are my first child's birthstone. It is funny how things like rings, handbags, even pairs of jeans solidify themselves in our lives as significant learning objects.

In Rachel Levy Lesser's memoir, Life's Accessories: a Memoir and Fashion Guide, she recalls a time when rings, belts, and other objects spoke to her in certain aspects of her life. Her small stories are gems about life, love, and loss all the while accessorizing with a hair tie, handbag, or trendy piece of jewelry.

Although I am an avid reader, I rarely choose to read memoirs or nonfiction in general. I am glad I picked up Lesser's newest book. Her memoir strongly describes times in her life like she is speaking to an old friend while chatting over coffee and marveling over the latest trendy bag. It is easy to think that clothing and accessories are fluffy and unimportant, but these items sometimes are the hardest things to part with if they tie to a memory you do not want to forget. I found her stories to be touching at times and gloriously funny at other times. I specifically enjoyed her chapter about wearing a belt to her son's bris. It spoke honestly about loss while handling new motherhood.

Thank you Rachel Levy Lesser, She Writes Press, and Suzy Approved Book Tours for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this memoir told through accessories that Rachel Levy Lesser has crafted. Although I've never been one to wear, let alone own, many accessories, I found myself reflecting on accessories that I have owned in the past as I read this memoir. The accessories that we wear and keep represent special times in our lives, as Lesser points out in her memoir. From our adolescent need to fit in at school or work, and to the wish to hold on to memories of loved ones, Lesser shares her experiences at summer camp, the friendships she made at college, meeting her husband, and losing her mom through a connection to a specific accessory. I enjoyed this memoir more than I thought I would, and found myself thinking about specific accessories I had that connected to moments and friendships from my past.

[Karen Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. Rachel is honest, down to earth and most of all funny!!

[Angie Wilborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you @booksparks and @rachellevylesser for my gifted copy of this memoir! I feel so honored to receive ARCs. I am posting my honest review of this book below. ⬇️
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Life’s Accessories highlights Rachel’s story using accessory items that remind the author of certain important events in her life. From the belt that reminds her of the birth of her first son, to the “twilly” or Hermès scarf that takes her back to the heartbreaking death and funeral of her mother, even to a leather bracelet that transports her back to a moment when she realized how close she had become to her father after her mother’s death.
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This book was fun to read and I loved her ability to draw an image of each item that I’m sure, if I ever see in person, will also remind me of Rachel’s life story.
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The private school, 8-week long summer camps and studying abroad, and just the high-price items listed throughout the book itself made this book super hard for me to relate to. I was also super disappointed when she herself judged other mothers for wearing jewelry with their kids’ names on it as push presents when throughout this entire book she never once mentions her kids’ names (that I can remember) often referring to them as just baby boy and then baby girl.
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Although I couldn’t really relate to most of the stories in this memoir... I still really enjoyed reading it. There were a few “life tips” in this book that I will probably carry with me for a long time... and books that you can learn something from are good books to me, in my opionion.
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Go check out this sweet memoir, it may relate to you more than it did to me! Super fun and easy to read, Rachel has an awesome sense of humor and is a very charismatic person!

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This weekend I finished Life’s Accessories by @rachellevylesser and I had to share my review and photos.
I know other bookstagrammers can relate to the need for a nice photo to post. You want to make the author proud while making the photo appealing to your book friends. Let me tell ya people....it’s not always easy. Apparently Blue wants his day to shine on the gram. 🤣
Life’s Accessories is a memoir told through pieces of jewelry that have special meaning to the author. I LOVED IT!
From the pink cover to the piece of jewelry starting each chapter, so many of the authors memories had me thinking of my own special pieces. From a family crest ring that she had to have to fit in as a teenager to the fashionable headbands that look adorable but hurt your head, Rachel will have you going down memory lane! Each of these pieces are a way to shine and stand out, but they also have so much sentimental value.
The story had me thinking of my favorite accessories and how they make me feel. Hands down my favorite piece is my 💍 I had no idea my husband was going to propose and the ring is gorgeous but also means the world to me.
What’s your favorite accessories and why?

[Nicole reading_with_nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good memoir and when it is based around some fashion, it makes it a lot of fun; I had total closet envy reading this memoir..⁣⁣
⁣Rachel shares with us a series of fourteen life events/stories from attending summer camp, falling in love, the birth of child, becoming a writer and the heartbreak of her mother’s battle with cancer. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣Each memory is tied in with an accessory; like the Hermés scarf that reminds her of her mothers funeral. That part of the book touched me and made me think of my grandmother and how I wore her watch at her funeral. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣This book was a cute fun read, not a heavy memoir to relate to, except for all the lovely expensive items Rachel has been lucky enough to have. ⁣⁣

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author's essay in Zibby Owens' new book and knew I wanted to read more by this author. While the book is short, it i so sincere and relatable. Having lost my own mother to cancer, I totally connected to her thoughts and feelings as she went through this with her mother. She notes that she became a personal;"concierge" for her father, doing all the everyday things for him that her mother had done. I underwent the exact same experiences with my own father after my mother died.
The book is so charming with laugh out loud moments as well as some that bring tears to your eyes. Her honesty makes you wish you were friends with her. I really enjoyed this memoir and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life's Accessories is a tasteful, relatable, and honest memoir that speaks to us all. We all have certain memories that have stayed with us through the years and made us who we are. It was compelling the way Rachel Levy Lesser used her 'life's accessories' to help write this story.

One of my favorite parts of the story is how relatable this book is. After reading this book, I made a list of some of the most impactful memories and I too remembered a certain shirt, ring, or even scarf I was wearing.

I give Life's Accessories 3 stars. It's an enjoyable memoir that was honest and heartfelt.

[Jessie May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Accessories is a memoir, with each chapter centered around a different accessory and its meaning in the author, Rachel Levy Lesser. I really enjoy reading memoirs, and this book was no exception. Lesser writes about her experiences at summer camp, her path to becoming a writer, falling in love, and becoming a mother. She also talks poignantly about her late mother’s battle with cancer, and the ways she dealt with her grief following that event. Lesser’s stories are relatable and well-written, and as a fashion-lover I enjoyed the tie in with the accessories. If you are a fan of memoirs, I highly recommend checking out this book!

[Briana Yaccich Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! Such a sweet read full of short stories that recount the most relatable moments EVER. I feel like I can be bff’s with Rachel (yeah, I decided we’re on a first name basis now after reading this 😉) because it’s almost as if we’ve lived the same life years apart. The idea to base these moments and memories around accessories was brilliant. It really makes you think about your own possessions and why they always end up in the “keep” pile during spring cleaning. I laughed, I cried... I laughed while crying. This is just an all around, feel-good book. Highly recommended for a casual Sunday read, a book club pick, or the perfect gift for a special lady in your life!

[Ashley Hasty · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that will entertain but also touches on significant life moments, then you’ll really love Life’s Accessories: A Memoir and Fashion Guide by Rachel Levy Lesser. I also learned something, believe it or not! I’d never heard of a Twilly and now I think I’ve been missing out for not owning one. Read more about this book: https://www.hastybooklist.com/home/li...

[Ellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that as a woman, and even better, a Jewish woman, you will love the experiences that Rachel Levy Lesser has gone through from her being the team captain at overnight camp to wearing hamsas for protection and embracing so many fashion trends through the decades. I loved her references to Ann Arbor and was only wishing she would tell me her favorite sandwich at Zingerman’s deli!

Read and enjoy this cute memoir!

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel writes about relatable aspects of growing up (fitting in, overnight camp, etc) and also the difficulty of losing her mother to cancer soon after Rachel had her first baby. And she cleverly ties each essay to a particular accessory. She writes with honesty, insight, warmth, and humor. And she also hits on #friendship a lot, my number one topic. Rachel was my guest for episode 21 of Dear Nina. We had such a good conversation and became fast writer friends.

[Megsbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will want to pick up this memoir if you are someone like me that has keepsakes, trinkets and stories to go with them all. This is a great coming of age story. It made me realize just how sentimental I am!

[Brittany Hinkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very interesting, a very privileged up bringing, perfect life except she lost her mom early from cancer. I did too last year. Going on and on about hating on moms that where cute jewelry representing their children and the push presents. Just not for me.

[Nicole McKelvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Full review on my blog!

[Marsha Dommel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so many relatable experiences and sentiments. It's a quick and lovely read! I truly cannot wait to meet this author on February 12th!

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book. Loved Rachel and scenes in Ann Arbor! Go Blue!