Sign up for my Becoming Italian Newsletter!

BIO In addition to immersing myself in Italy's language and culture, I have had a busy career as a journalist and author. Here are the highlights of my professional life: 14 trade books, including Just Like a Woman, Think Thin Be Thin and Caring for the Mind, with translations into Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Swedish and Korean. 20 editions of the top-selling college health textbook, An Invitation to Health Former contributing editor for Parade, Ladies Home Journal, Working Mother and American Health More than a thousand articles for national publications, including Family Circle, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Health, The New York Times, Readers' Digest, The Washington Post, Woman's Day and World Book Encyclopedia Recipient of writing awards from the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and the National Women's Political Caucus, among others. Official Bio   The President of the Republic of Italy Giorgio Napolitano has conferred on Dott.ssa Dianne Mary Plucinnik Hales l'onorificenze di cavaliere dell' Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana (the honor of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity) in recognition of her book LA BELLA LINGUA as an "invaluable tool for promoting the Italian language" You can find more information on this award and its history by clicking here. For photos from the ceremony and reception, click here.