The Dickinsonian: Interview with Denis O’Neill

February 14th. Library Study Room. 5 PM.

The phone rang over speakerphone as I twirled my pen and waited for the pickup. Two seconds later, I was talking to the author of Whiplash, Denis O’Neill, uncle of Caroline O’Neill, and fellow Nutmegger. After bonding over our small world ties to Connecticut, we immediately jumped into the topic of the weather. While here at Dickinson we were knee deep in snow, Mr. O’Neill was soaking up the warmth at his home in Beverly Hills. However, he still remembered those kinds of days when going to college at Dartmouth, suffering through the terrible cold and snow, trudging on to class. (more…)

The Loyola Phoenix: Book Review

There is often talk of how bad the economy is right now and of how difficult it is for graduating college students to find jobs. These issues have permeated the minds of college students everywhere, causing stress and uncertainty in career plans. But we tend to forget how easy we have it compared to the generation of college students who were affected by the Vietnam War in 1960s and ‘70s. (more…)

The Dartmouth: Article by John Choo

November 3, 2013

“Whiplash: When the Vietnam War Rolled a Hand Grenade Into the Animal House” is not an average story of college life. Denis O’Neill ’70 writes about middle-aged strippers picking up dollars bills from brave audience members and freshmen lined up on the fourth floor of New Hampshire residence hall competing to become the king, the title given to the one with the biggest male anatomy. Denis gives a raw, borderline crude, image of his times: road trips were measured by beers per mile and classmates dropped acid on I-89 to enliven the dreary journey. These outlandish tales can hold their own, but the book is anchored by the fact that all of these youthful antics were overshadowed by the Vietnam War and the ensuing drama that enveloped the entire campus. (more…)

The Gongaza Bulletin: Book Review

Denis O’Neill’s memoir transcends its Vietnam setting with themes common among college students.

Denis O’Neill is an author, journalist, screenwriter and former Dartmouth hockey captain.
Growing up is a slow, difficult and painful process filled with responsibility and permanent change. This process becomes even more arduous with the added responsibility of finishing college and finding a job, all while being on your own as an adult. (more…)