Rebecca Frankel

Rebecca Frankel is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist known for her works on military working dogs and compelling historical narratives. Her book "War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love" (2014) established her expertise in documenting the relationship between military handlers and their canine partners. Frankel served as deputy editor of Foreign Policy's Special Projects division, where she was also the creator and editor of the publication's "Dogs of War" column. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, and The Atlantic, among other notable publications. Her 2021 book "Into the Forest: A Holocaust Story of Survival, Triumph, and Love" garnered significant attention for its detailed account of a Jewish family's survival in the forests of Poland during World War II. This work demonstrated her ability to blend meticulous historical research with narrative storytelling. Building on her expertise in both canine subjects and historical narratives, Frankel continues to contribute to discussions about military working dogs and wartime experiences through various media appearances and speaking engagements. Her work consistently focuses on themes of survival, resilience, and the bonds between humans and animals.

Readers appreciate Frankel's thorough research and ability to tell emotional stories without becoming melodramatic. For "War Dogs," multiple readers noted her balanced presentation of both the technical aspects of military dog training and the personal bonds between handlers and dogs. What Readers Liked: - Clear, engaging writing style - Deep research and attention to detail - Inclusion of personal stories that illuminate larger historical events - "Perfect blend of history and heart" - Amazon reviewer - Photos and documentation that support the narratives What Readers Disliked: - Some found "Into the Forest" slow-paced in early chapters - A few noted repetitive descriptions in "War Dogs" - Occasional technical details about military operations felt excessive to casual readers Ratings: Goodreads: - "War Dogs": 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) - "Into the Forest": 4.4/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: - "War Dogs": 4.6/5 (300+ reviews) - "Into the Forest": 4.7/5 (400+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: - Both books average 4.5/5 (100+ reviews each)

War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love (2014) An examination of military working dogs' roles in combat zones, focusing on their training, relationships with handlers, and service in conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan.

Into the Forest: A Holocaust Story of Survival, Triumph, and Love (2021) A historical account of the Rabinowitz family who survived the Nazi occupation of Poland by hiding in the Bialowieza Forest for two years.

Wolves at the Door: The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy (2023) A biography of Virginia Hall, who worked as an Allied spy during World War II, detailing her operations in Nazi-occupied France and her life after the war.

Susan Orlean writes investigative non-fiction that combines deep reporting with narrative storytelling about animals and human-animal relationships. Her work includes "The Library Book" and "Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend."

Elizabeth Letts focuses on historical narratives involving animals, particularly horses, and the bonds between humans and animals during wartime. Her books include "The Perfect Horse" and "The Eighty-Dollar Champion."

Helen Macdonald writes about nature, animals, and personal experiences with a focus on falconry and wildlife. Her works, including "H is for Hawk," examine grief and human connections to the natural world.

Vicki Constantine Croke specializes in non-fiction about animal-human relationships in wartime and conservation efforts. She has written about elephants in World War II and wildlife conservation across different continents.

Susan McCarthy produces narrative non-fiction about animal behavior and scientific research involving animals. Her work includes investigations into primate research and animal cognition studies.