Breaking All the Rules

The unstated theme of this British import is ""Big Is Beautiful.'' Journalist/actress Roberts writes about coming to terms with her hefty size, making her weight an integral facet of her personality. Her affecting story of failed dieting and embarrassment at her appearance is leavened with humor and sensitivity. Overweight women, as well as those concerned about their appearance for other reasons, will be assured by the author's attitude toward her own looks and by her advice on exercise and dress (in photos here she models bright, flamboyant clothingcolors and styles usually reserved for thinner womenand she looks great). Roberts discusses beauty standards and society's current obsession with thinness, and she includes statements from other large women, offering beauty hints and morale boosters. Her encouraging words urge readers to ``accept'' so that they can feel positive about themselves. January