Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope

TV fitness personality Simmons ( Never Say Diet ) encourages would-be weight-losers with 40 inspirational stories. Among them are recollections of Diane, who began overeating after she gave up her baby for adoption; wheelchair-bound Donna; and Simmons himself, whose attempts to diet proved futile until he devised his Deal-a-Meal program. The self-proclaimed ``court jester of health'' makes serious commitments to his followers, even phoning strangers who write to him; here, he addresses readers as if he were a personal friend. Simmons's enthusiasm, empathy and gentle humor should motivate the heavy of heart (and flesh). 125,000 first printing; Doubleday Book Club and Music Club alternates; author tour. (Feb.)