Celebrating the Presidential Election Year with Patrick O’Donnell’s memoir “What Do 11 US Presidents, the Dalai Lama and Whoopi Have in Common?”

Orange County, CA – June 2nd, 2026 – Celebrating the Presidential Election Year, the eagerly awaited memoir by seasoned photojournalist Patrick O’Donnell, “WHAT DO 11 U.S. PRESIDENTS, the DALAI LAMA and WHOOPI HAVE IN COMMON?…” is now available on Amazon, captivating readers since its release on February 9, 2024. This memoir offers a captivating retrospective of O’Donnell’s illustrious 60-year career, chronicling his encounters with 11 U.S. Presidents, the Dalai Lama, and Whoopi Goldberg, among others.
O’Donnell’s journey into photojournalism began in the late 1950s during high school, igniting his passion for capturing moments through the lens. From documenting Richard Nixon’s California governor bid to Eisenhower’s appearance at the 1964 Rose Bowl, the memoir delves into O’Donnell’s early experiences, providing a unique perspective on historical events.
Throughout his career, O’Donnell gained access to pivotal moments, including Nixon’s return to Orange County after his resignation from the White House and intimate encounters with figures like George H.W. Bush. Beyond presidential coverage, his memoir explores encounters with diverse personalities such as Margaret Thatcher, Jerry Brown, Kevin Costner, and Tony Bennett, providing a rich tapestry of experiences.
Described as a “part journalism passion project, part who’s who of 55+ years behind closed doors,” O’Donnell’s memoir offers readers a glimpse into a bygone era when newspapers reigned supreme and dark rooms were commonplace. With over 130 captivating photos, the memoir promises to enthrall news aficionados and photography enthusiasts alike.
Various parts of Patrick’s collection of negatives, slides and digital photos have been donated to the Nixon Library, Carter Library, West Point, he photographed the last 2 remaining 5 Star generals. Eisenhower and Omar Bradley; the Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park. University of Irvine and various charities and museums in Orange County.
About the Author:
Patrick O’Donnell has dedicated over six decades to the art of photojournalism, capturing the essence of historical moments and influential personalities. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles. O’Donnell resides in Fountain Valley, California, with his wife, Peggy, who has been his steadfast partner in both marriage and photography for over 50 years.
As freelance photographers, he and his wife had encounters with presidents and backstage moments with celebrities. O’Donnell’s memoir is a testament to the power of photography in preserving history and capturing the essence of the human experience.
He also lectured extensively at several Southern California state universities and community colleges for more than forty years.
For more information, please visit:
http://amazonbookpublishingcenter.com/ Or [email protected]
Global Book Network – Peggy O’Donnell, Author of WHAT DO 11 U.S. PRESIDENTS

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