Uncommon Sense

A popular commentator guest on the National Public Radio show All Things Considered, Willams also numbers among her fans readers of her books on travel and cookery. Here, in humorous, pithy essays and verses, she delivers tips on coping with doctors, family life, fickle fashion, stingy banks, politicians and ""practically everything.'' There is wisdom underlying the jaunty tone in Williams's advice but some readers may be put off by her bossy attitude on certain subjects. Rules for living together include: ``Leave the house for two hours every day''; ``Emulate the Japanese. Bow before speaking''; ``Be a nice person. Are you a nice person? If not, why not?'' On the other hand, can one deny the benefits of obeying an order to ``Make someone laugh''? Author tour. (February)