What do you think?
Rate this book
Always Goodbye
Life can take a man many places. Born in disputed Israel, fostered in Middle America, and then finally driven into Rising China—Ray Hecht takes journey after journey as he tries to figure it all out. He goes down many paths from the years 1982 to 2019, attempting and failing at new identities with each passing artist, filmmaker, journalist, and author. Told in simple lines and crude forms, Ray’s graphic memoir Always Goodbye rushes through the milestones of a person’s life with harsh sincerity. Follow along these memories of a man’s travels across the globe as he tries to find himself, always saying goodbye but then reconnecting all over again, as many times as it takes…
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2019
9 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Ray Hecht
19 books433 followersRay Hecht was raised in America, from the Midwest to the West Coast, on a starchy diet of movies and comics and science fiction paperbacks. Mostly writing about such states as California and Ohio, and such provinces as Guangdong. Lived in Shenzhen, China since 2008, that Special Economic Zone & Hong Kong-bordering chaotic city of the future, occasionally partaking in freelance journalism for various local publications. Ray now lives in Taiwan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 18, 2019
In the graphic novel Always Goodbye, author Ray Hecht takes readers on a journey through his life from the time he was born until the present. He immigrated to the United States from Israel as a very young child. Throughout his young life he experiences multiple relationships, jobs, travels, and most importantly, mistakes, as he struggles to find his place in this world.
The author is fairly close in age, so the book had some nostalgia for me with some of the comic references, movies, and music, which I always enjoy. It's unique the way it's drawn and laid out. Most of all though, this story really moved me and reminds me of the positive impact that comes from learning about people and hearing their stories. There's no doubt it can help others on their own journeys. I'm excited to have my 19-year-old read it as he's just getting started himself.
Everyone has their own unique story, but this one has an inspirational take away message that will stick in your head: believe in yourself and never give up, no matter what.
4.5****
The author is fairly close in age, so the book had some nostalgia for me with some of the comic references, movies, and music, which I always enjoy. It's unique the way it's drawn and laid out. Most of all though, this story really moved me and reminds me of the positive impact that comes from learning about people and hearing their stories. There's no doubt it can help others on their own journeys. I'm excited to have my 19-year-old read it as he's just getting started himself.
Everyone has their own unique story, but this one has an inspirational take away message that will stick in your head: believe in yourself and never give up, no matter what.
4.5****
November 17, 2019
My rating 4.5
The autobiographical comic book "Always Goodbye" by Ray Hecht is a fun and sympathetic story about the author's life. The entire comic book is caricature drawn and takes us through his life. A fun and humorous way of describing an event in his life is very interesting to read. Through his personal story, he goes through the story of all the events that marked the time we live in. Very serious topics are drawn through the story, but the author approaches them in a comical way. His whole life comes down to traveling; the name of the book alludes to it. In some cases, I could identify with his life because I had the same experiences. Mostly this is an interesting autobiography through a cartoon novel. I enjoyed reading it.
The autobiographical comic book "Always Goodbye" by Ray Hecht is a fun and sympathetic story about the author's life. The entire comic book is caricature drawn and takes us through his life. A fun and humorous way of describing an event in his life is very interesting to read. Through his personal story, he goes through the story of all the events that marked the time we live in. Very serious topics are drawn through the story, but the author approaches them in a comical way. His whole life comes down to traveling; the name of the book alludes to it. In some cases, I could identify with his life because I had the same experiences. Mostly this is an interesting autobiography through a cartoon novel. I enjoyed reading it.
March 31, 2020
To follow tomorrow 😊
First of all a big thank you to Ray for the opportunity to read this book of his, and secondly I have to give my apologies to him for not reading this for a few months, I am just so far behind where I want to be.
Anyway , this is a wonderful graphic novel (comic ?) giving a fabulous insight into Ray's life all the way up to 2019.
Normally I would comment on the storyline, however being someone's life that is not really appropriate, what I would say is "Ray, you really have had an interesting and eventful life."
The graphics , cartoons, are excellent as Ray details all aspects of his life, travels and family. The amount of information per year is spot on, not too much but not too little, and I loved the interweaving of some of Ray's friends and family through the years of the story.
If Ray tells a story in his other books as well he tells his life story then I look forward to reading some of them.
First of all a big thank you to Ray for the opportunity to read this book of his, and secondly I have to give my apologies to him for not reading this for a few months, I am just so far behind where I want to be.
Anyway , this is a wonderful graphic novel (comic ?) giving a fabulous insight into Ray's life all the way up to 2019.
Normally I would comment on the storyline, however being someone's life that is not really appropriate, what I would say is "Ray, you really have had an interesting and eventful life."
The graphics , cartoons, are excellent as Ray details all aspects of his life, travels and family. The amount of information per year is spot on, not too much but not too little, and I loved the interweaving of some of Ray's friends and family through the years of the story.
If Ray tells a story in his other books as well he tells his life story then I look forward to reading some of them.
November 28, 2019
ALWAYS GOODBYE by Ray Hecht is an autobiography using a comic format. This is not the type of book that I normally read, but it was well done. I rated it 3.5 stars. To me, this rating means it was a good book and well-crafted.
The book starts out with Ray’s parents and then quickly switches to Ray’s life from his birth in Israel to his life in the Midwest region of the USA to California to China and finally to Taiwan. The story is organized by year including 2019.
The first thing that struck me is the quality of the caricatures. The second thing was that this was an interesting medium to use for an autobiography. Upon reflection, I believe this format could be used for biographies of historical figures as well as artists, musicians, scientists and many others. If it was aimed at teens, it might get them interested in reading and learning when traditional biographies may seem staid and dry.
Themes explored in the author’s story include tragic mistakes, family, pop culture, drugs, isolation, travel, writing, dating, relationships, friendship and much more.
This story is not one that I will soon forget. The lows and highs that a person’s life can take came through extremely well in this format. I felt that some of the occasional bad language could have been toned down and was not needed to make the point. However, overall, the story is moving, fascinating and skillfully done.
Thanks to Ray Hecht for a copy of this novel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The book starts out with Ray’s parents and then quickly switches to Ray’s life from his birth in Israel to his life in the Midwest region of the USA to California to China and finally to Taiwan. The story is organized by year including 2019.
The first thing that struck me is the quality of the caricatures. The second thing was that this was an interesting medium to use for an autobiography. Upon reflection, I believe this format could be used for biographies of historical figures as well as artists, musicians, scientists and many others. If it was aimed at teens, it might get them interested in reading and learning when traditional biographies may seem staid and dry.
Themes explored in the author’s story include tragic mistakes, family, pop culture, drugs, isolation, travel, writing, dating, relationships, friendship and much more.
This story is not one that I will soon forget. The lows and highs that a person’s life can take came through extremely well in this format. I felt that some of the occasional bad language could have been toned down and was not needed to make the point. However, overall, the story is moving, fascinating and skillfully done.
Thanks to Ray Hecht for a copy of this novel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
August 17, 2021
"So many places, so many people. Some I've drifted apart from, some gone forever. Friends lost and gained. And some family born, all new. Guess life is really about the people we meet along the way. Good or bad, just the memories left..."
This story acts as an auto biographical graphic novel, detailing the struggles that the author faces as they navigate through life after moving to America. Feeling out of place and sometimes very strange, I think almost anyone can relate to this story. I personally found it to be a pleasant and funny book, with sketchy and starkly drawn pictures that bring a really personal feel to it. It also explores a lot of deep, introspective stuff going on with the author throughout different stages of his life. (And his family/friend dynamics). That I found interesting, and fun to read about. His mistakes, his findings, and what he learned from all of his experiences. I can also appreciate all the nostalgic and geeky moments, as well as his reflections on his idealogicies, beliefs, and the present/past relationships he's had. As I feel like everyone is searching for something, or dealing with their own struggles, and is never really sure when they've found the answers to those problems. In summation: I found that it was a relatable and enjoyable read.
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story acts as an auto biographical graphic novel, detailing the struggles that the author faces as they navigate through life after moving to America. Feeling out of place and sometimes very strange, I think almost anyone can relate to this story. I personally found it to be a pleasant and funny book, with sketchy and starkly drawn pictures that bring a really personal feel to it. It also explores a lot of deep, introspective stuff going on with the author throughout different stages of his life. (And his family/friend dynamics). That I found interesting, and fun to read about. His mistakes, his findings, and what he learned from all of his experiences. I can also appreciate all the nostalgic and geeky moments, as well as his reflections on his idealogicies, beliefs, and the present/past relationships he's had. As I feel like everyone is searching for something, or dealing with their own struggles, and is never really sure when they've found the answers to those problems. In summation: I found that it was a relatable and enjoyable read.
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 6, 2021
Ray's travels around the globe in search of meaning and authenticity were impressive. Telling the story in strict chronological order did not work very well for me - I think picking out certain key dates and working around these might have added more drama to the story.
December 15, 2019
4 STARS ★★★★✩
⤐ Overall.
Although unobtrusive in its design, the illustration of Ray's life is entertaining and honest which made for a pleasurable reading experience. This is actually my first graphic novel since I read the DuckTales in like 6th grade.
Overall, both the design and the execution of the novel were captivating and fluent. I was weirdly fascinated with Ray's life, constantly asking 'Where will Ray head to next?'. For my first graphic novel in adulthood (yes, I am slowly admitting it) this was definitely a success. Although that’s probably owed to the truthfulness of the novel, I sometimes felt like I was meandering behind Ray confused about where we're heading.
I would love to write a lengthy review about this but honestly, there's not much to say except that I really liked this short memoir and recommend it to anyone, but especially those who seek reassurance that even the most chaotic life will fall into place eventually.
Since it's a memoir I felt kind of stupid doing my usual reviewing scheme. And yeah, I also wasn't really in the mood for it. The festive season is supposed to be relaxing but I'm experiencing as anything but. Only 2 more months until my thesis will have to be finished. (Yes, she is hyperventilating).
⤐ What’s happening.
Ray has never really fit in anywhere, not even with his family. Or that's what it felt like. Dragged all over the US since he was a kid, coming of age and adulthood are similarly disruptive. Hopping from place to place, seeking purpose, Ray soon realises that it's the people you meet along the way, that matter most.
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Ray Hecht, who provided me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is for you if… you seek comfort and inspiration in graphic novels that illustrate the life of a true vagabond autobiographically.
⤐ Overall.
Although unobtrusive in its design, the illustration of Ray's life is entertaining and honest which made for a pleasurable reading experience. This is actually my first graphic novel since I read the DuckTales in like 6th grade.
Overall, both the design and the execution of the novel were captivating and fluent. I was weirdly fascinated with Ray's life, constantly asking 'Where will Ray head to next?'. For my first graphic novel in adulthood (yes, I am slowly admitting it) this was definitely a success. Although that’s probably owed to the truthfulness of the novel, I sometimes felt like I was meandering behind Ray confused about where we're heading.
I would love to write a lengthy review about this but honestly, there's not much to say except that I really liked this short memoir and recommend it to anyone, but especially those who seek reassurance that even the most chaotic life will fall into place eventually.
Since it's a memoir I felt kind of stupid doing my usual reviewing scheme. And yeah, I also wasn't really in the mood for it. The festive season is supposed to be relaxing but I'm experiencing as anything but. Only 2 more months until my thesis will have to be finished. (Yes, she is hyperventilating).
⤐ What’s happening.
Ray has never really fit in anywhere, not even with his family. Or that's what it felt like. Dragged all over the US since he was a kid, coming of age and adulthood are similarly disruptive. Hopping from place to place, seeking purpose, Ray soon realises that it's the people you meet along the way, that matter most.
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Ray Hecht, who provided me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2020
An unstable childhood and moving from state to state made it difficult for Ray Hecht to grab opportunities that came his way. Born in Israel, emigrating to the United States, living with relatives in Indiana, a move to Cincinnati, then to California, Ray had difficulty making friends, often feeling that he was looked down upon by others. "I found a new universe to live in. And it felt more right than 'real' life...I spent most [of my time] drawing superheroes on worksheets...spending copious amounts of time reading graphic novels." "with no money, but libraries and bookstore chairs free, I read...".
Through the literary medium of an autobiographical graphic novel, Ray shares his life journey with the reader. He bravely bares his soul describing the good, the bad and the ugly including mistakes and triumphs. Ray "said Goodbye...deciding to take a risk...I needed to...find a new place to live...Where to? I was determined to keep seeing the world, whether I had money or not." Ray exercised the option of teaching English in China. And travel he did, taking the reader with him via his unique writing and beautifully rendered comics. I was thrilled to travel the world through his words and pictures.
Thank you to author Ray Hecht for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Through the literary medium of an autobiographical graphic novel, Ray shares his life journey with the reader. He bravely bares his soul describing the good, the bad and the ugly including mistakes and triumphs. Ray "said Goodbye...deciding to take a risk...I needed to...find a new place to live...Where to? I was determined to keep seeing the world, whether I had money or not." Ray exercised the option of teaching English in China. And travel he did, taking the reader with him via his unique writing and beautifully rendered comics. I was thrilled to travel the world through his words and pictures.
Thank you to author Ray Hecht for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 15, 2019
Why does this book exist? Just because. Or, when in a creative rut, why not an autobiography?
I loved the pop culture references littered throughout the book. Each year of Ray's life is introduced with a drawing to capture that year. It's a very nice touch.
Ray and I are also about the same age so we have many things to relate to. Claremont X-Men -- hell yeah, I remember those. I may even still have them in my sister's attic. His recollection of fandom was something that took me back to my childhood. For some reason, the angsty teen years of Ray's are the ones that connected with me the most.
I also enjoyed the way the chapters were evenly spaced out and the kind of anti-plottiness of the book. It kind of reminded me of the movie Boyhood. In fact, the anti-plottiness of Richard Linklater movies is something I love, so perhaps that's another reason this book strikes me as genuine and unpretentious. It also means that the book feels like it's about a time and place as much as it is about Ray.
Since Ray is into Pop Punk, does that mean he has listened to New Found Glory? There were some eerie similarities -- Ray and I became fascinated by Philip K. Dick's VALIS at about the same age.
I loved being able to track the years of Ray's life through his fandom.
There are also wisdom bombs that are constantly dropped. "So, as is occasionally necessary in life, I went backwards."
In short, this book is a wonderful journey into the life of a perpetual artist and creator, expat, and fanboy. The book is done with fantastic humor and honesty.
I loved the pop culture references littered throughout the book. Each year of Ray's life is introduced with a drawing to capture that year. It's a very nice touch.
Ray and I are also about the same age so we have many things to relate to. Claremont X-Men -- hell yeah, I remember those. I may even still have them in my sister's attic. His recollection of fandom was something that took me back to my childhood. For some reason, the angsty teen years of Ray's are the ones that connected with me the most.
I also enjoyed the way the chapters were evenly spaced out and the kind of anti-plottiness of the book. It kind of reminded me of the movie Boyhood. In fact, the anti-plottiness of Richard Linklater movies is something I love, so perhaps that's another reason this book strikes me as genuine and unpretentious. It also means that the book feels like it's about a time and place as much as it is about Ray.
Since Ray is into Pop Punk, does that mean he has listened to New Found Glory? There were some eerie similarities -- Ray and I became fascinated by Philip K. Dick's VALIS at about the same age.
I loved being able to track the years of Ray's life through his fandom.
There are also wisdom bombs that are constantly dropped. "So, as is occasionally necessary in life, I went backwards."
In short, this book is a wonderful journey into the life of a perpetual artist and creator, expat, and fanboy. The book is done with fantastic humor and honesty.
June 23, 2020
Autobiographical graphic novel where Hecht chronicles his life from birth up until his thirties. His unshowy drawing style neatly compliments his narration, as he reflects on all major, minor, and some in-between, events. This is particularly effective in the sections covering his formative years and very early adulthood, featuring his account of an unsettled childhood and then discovery of the punk scene. As the title suggests, Hecht is on the move for most of the time, whether due to changing family circumstance when younger, or by choice when at the age to select his travel destinations. Throughout, Hecht is an engaging guide, setting a tone that is inviting and self-deprecating where it needs to be. Overall, an unassuming account of a life, with aspects as ordinary and extraordinary as any other. A followup sequel graphic novel at some point would be very welcome.
December 9, 2019
Well, that was a lovely surprise!
The pedestrian illustrations and detached delivery of the story somehow created magic (and giggles).
Lots of fun in here, and if you are in your 30's you will see a lot of yourself in here too.
The drawings specific for each year was a clever touch.
I am super interested in reading his novel South China Morning Blues now.
Thanks to Ray Hecht for my DRC!
I truly enjoyed every giggle!!!
The pedestrian illustrations and detached delivery of the story somehow created magic (and giggles).
Lots of fun in here, and if you are in your 30's you will see a lot of yourself in here too.
The drawings specific for each year was a clever touch.
I am super interested in reading his novel South China Morning Blues now.
Thanks to Ray Hecht for my DRC!
I truly enjoyed every giggle!!!
November 19, 2020
A Life in Cartoons
What does an author who is suffering from a sudden loss of inspiration?
Obviously (or not), he writes about his life!
At least, this author did!😉
Ok... so far so good, but... why the cartoons?
Because, for a while, cartoons were his own private world — a shelter where he could hide himself from a crushing reality.
Like some (lots?!) of us, he felt happier in the company of fictional characters than hanging out with real people...
So... since his life is interesting enough to tell, and... he once had a cartoons calling, well... he wrote about himself in cartoons!
Makes sense, doesn’t it?! 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟👍
What does an author who is suffering from a sudden loss of inspiration?
Obviously (or not), he writes about his life!
At least, this author did!😉
Ok... so far so good, but... why the cartoons?
Because, for a while, cartoons were his own private world — a shelter where he could hide himself from a crushing reality.
Like some (lots?!) of us, he felt happier in the company of fictional characters than hanging out with real people...
So... since his life is interesting enough to tell, and... he once had a cartoons calling, well... he wrote about himself in cartoons!
Makes sense, doesn’t it?! 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟👍
November 22, 2019
Again this author produces something very interesting, to my understanding it is the authors 1st attempt a a graphic novel, and what a good attempt he as made of it, taking a brave leap into another sort of novel, the story line is a fresh imaginative idea and very readable, I have been reading graphic novels for the past 20 years, and this graphic novel is as good as the majority of what I have read in my life-time. A life story adventure embedded with lots of interesting moments across countries, the normal highs and lows of living, the story is very honest, without taking himself too serious the author provides a fun and humous look at his life. it is a very enjoyable read (I could image it being transformed into a cartoon or animation movie in the style of around the world in 80 days). Some people looking to find faults might highlight negatives in the artwork, but my opinion is that the artwork is a pure honest attempt by a author new to this type of novel, I like the artwork, sometimes in comic books artworks look too perfect, I like true gritty, non perfect artwork, this makes a comic in my opinion feel more real and honest. My advice to the author going forwarded into future graphic novels, keep the same style of artwork, reminds me of the graphic novel book “Chronicles of Burma” in regards to the artwork. Excellent work!!!
July 6, 2020
Always Goodbye is an autobiographical comic drawn by the author himself. It details his life starting from birth, and the struggles he had coming from a broken home, dealing with ADD and depression. He highlights his many moves around the U.S. and how he was able to realize his dream of living for a time in China and Japan, while visiting other Asian countries. Ray tells of how he first fell in love with the comic book genre, and his journey in becoming an author. I enjoyed this book and learning more about the personal life of Mr. Hecht. It was well drawn and edited. I received this book in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
November 15, 2019
A fun and interesting graphic review of the author's life
April 14, 2020
I loved the idea of writing an autobiography as a graphic novel! I know what it takes to write a novel, let alone a personal story, but writing and drawing it is a territory I will never dare to step into. For that, my compliments to Ray Hecht!
I liked it when while traveling through his life I recognized things and moments from my life I forgot and were a pleasant reminder of what I loved and enjoyed many years ago. So, reading and watching Ray’s life story was also an experience of a time travel and encounter with my younger self and my past, which today doesn’t look to me as eventful as the life path of the author of Always Goodbye.
I liked it when while traveling through his life I recognized things and moments from my life I forgot and were a pleasant reminder of what I loved and enjoyed many years ago. So, reading and watching Ray’s life story was also an experience of a time travel and encounter with my younger self and my past, which today doesn’t look to me as eventful as the life path of the author of Always Goodbye.
September 21, 2020
Rough life, his ADD was showing.
Always Goodbye by Ray Hecht is a book told by graphic comic art. Its a memoir of the author's life. He says he has ADD and the many times his home is broken is very sad and may explain why he can't keep a job or live in one place for long up until around 2010 or so. So many dates in his later part of the story last very briefly. Maybe that's where he got the title. Interesting but sad book. A good example of early mental health and upbringing correspond.
Always Goodbye by Ray Hecht is a book told by graphic comic art. Its a memoir of the author's life. He says he has ADD and the many times his home is broken is very sad and may explain why he can't keep a job or live in one place for long up until around 2010 or so. So many dates in his later part of the story last very briefly. Maybe that's where he got the title. Interesting but sad book. A good example of early mental health and upbringing correspond.
December 12, 2019
*thank you to Author, Ray Hecht, for a complementary copy of this book for an honest review*
2 stars.
I thought this was OK. It wasn't exactly for me which makes me definitely the odd one out given the current amazing reviews. But I can appreciate all the work that went into this autobiography and wish it a lot of success.
2 stars.
I thought this was OK. It wasn't exactly for me which makes me definitely the odd one out given the current amazing reviews. But I can appreciate all the work that went into this autobiography and wish it a lot of success.
December 6, 2019
Ray Hecht's "Always Goodbye" is an autobiography in comic book form. Autobiographies tend to be written by public figures and they either provide an inside view into something the public doesn't have access to, or try to advocate some cause (i.e. "My Path to God"). This is an autobiography written by someone who has no claim to fame (at least not yet), is not revealing any sort of hard-to-get information, argues in favour of no cause and leads to no moral conclusion. It is candid to the extreme and has a somewhat detached feeling to it as if the author is at the Gates of Heaven narrating his whole life and waiting for St. Peter to allow or deny access - except that the author seems to be both characters simultaneously... He is basically saying "Yeah, man, my journey was a bit twisted and I'm not always proud of it but I can swear there were never any evil intentions, so it's all good, right?"
The book has a particular allure for someone who is not American because the life story that is described in it would basically be impossible in my country (Portugal). The USA has a peculiarly flexible social and job market structure that allows for levels of social experimenting and personal choices that are simply not available in most countries. Whether that is good or bad is left for each person to decide. Personally I think it's good that the planet has at least one such country, where permanent turmoil generates inventions, companies, business models and artistic movements that wouldn't otherwise exist. I nevertheless prefer that it happens far away. "Your pain, my gain" is my philosophy here. In the end I can use the inventions, products and services that Americans create. Obviously they reap the lion's share of the advantages and everybody else gets the crumbs. Fair enough, no problem, I'm not interested in living in their type of society, anyway. "Always Goodbye" is a description of the underbelly of that society, written from within the eye of the maelstrom.
I've read several books by Ray Hecht and they all share some common characteristics: They are written to a high standard, competently paced and well structured but they all suffer from one shortcoming: they never go beyond the "me, me, me" dimension and that is extremely frustrating. If Ray could climb some rungs higher in perspective away from "me" his books could enter the dimension of great epics. Some invisible force always seems to be holding him back though.
As it stands an ancient version of "Always Goodbye" would be the dream find of archaeologists studying the buried remains of Roman Pompei: a candid and detailed description of the life of a common citizen.
The book has a particular allure for someone who is not American because the life story that is described in it would basically be impossible in my country (Portugal). The USA has a peculiarly flexible social and job market structure that allows for levels of social experimenting and personal choices that are simply not available in most countries. Whether that is good or bad is left for each person to decide. Personally I think it's good that the planet has at least one such country, where permanent turmoil generates inventions, companies, business models and artistic movements that wouldn't otherwise exist. I nevertheless prefer that it happens far away. "Your pain, my gain" is my philosophy here. In the end I can use the inventions, products and services that Americans create. Obviously they reap the lion's share of the advantages and everybody else gets the crumbs. Fair enough, no problem, I'm not interested in living in their type of society, anyway. "Always Goodbye" is a description of the underbelly of that society, written from within the eye of the maelstrom.
I've read several books by Ray Hecht and they all share some common characteristics: They are written to a high standard, competently paced and well structured but they all suffer from one shortcoming: they never go beyond the "me, me, me" dimension and that is extremely frustrating. If Ray could climb some rungs higher in perspective away from "me" his books could enter the dimension of great epics. Some invisible force always seems to be holding him back though.
As it stands an ancient version of "Always Goodbye" would be the dream find of archaeologists studying the buried remains of Roman Pompei: a candid and detailed description of the life of a common citizen.
November 25, 2019
‘I was a weird kid’ – and other secrets
Author Ray Hecht was born in Israel, raised in the US (Midwest to the West Coast), lived in China, and now resides in Taiwan. He is both a freelance journalist and the author of THIS IS MODERN LOVE, SOUTH CHINA MORNING BLUES, OUT OF TIME, 411, PEARL RIVER DRAMA, THE GHOST OF LOTUS MOUNTAIN BROTHEL, TAIWAN TALES, and now ALWAYS GOODBYE, a graphic novel.
The worldwide use of social media and the many computer generated modes of visualizing and listening to the printed word seems to be bidding farewell to books in a way, but Ray Hecht holds up a standard for blending all ‘modern variations’ of communication in this terrific graphic novel. To squelch any suspicion that the term ‘graphic’ indicates X-rated material, this graphic text is in the format of a comic book – blocks of drawn images parcel out the diary of facts about his life in a most entertaining manner.
And in the tradition of distilling the content for potential readers’ seduction, Ray offers a fine synopsis: ‘Life can take a man many places. Born in disputed Israel, fostered in Middle America, and then finally driven into Rising China—Ray Hecht takes journey after journey as he tries to figure it all out. He goes down many paths from the years 1982 to 2019, attempting and failing at new identities with each passing decade: artist, filmmaker, journalist, and author. Told in simple lines and crude forms, Ray’s graphic memoir Always Goodbye rushes through the milestones of a person’s life with harsh sincerity. Follow along these memories of a man’s travels across the globe as he tries to find himself, always saying goodbye but then reconnecting all over again, as many times as it takes… ‘
Given that roadmap, the joy is in the discovery of a unique man’s life, with all the accompanying challenges and happenstances of a man on the go – literally and poetically – as we discover the peculiarities of his various points of arrivals and departures and all the entertaining business in between the hellos and goodbyes.
Spend a fun time getting to know a very interesting (and talented!) writer/artist – it is well worth the trip! Recommended.
Author Ray Hecht was born in Israel, raised in the US (Midwest to the West Coast), lived in China, and now resides in Taiwan. He is both a freelance journalist and the author of THIS IS MODERN LOVE, SOUTH CHINA MORNING BLUES, OUT OF TIME, 411, PEARL RIVER DRAMA, THE GHOST OF LOTUS MOUNTAIN BROTHEL, TAIWAN TALES, and now ALWAYS GOODBYE, a graphic novel.
The worldwide use of social media and the many computer generated modes of visualizing and listening to the printed word seems to be bidding farewell to books in a way, but Ray Hecht holds up a standard for blending all ‘modern variations’ of communication in this terrific graphic novel. To squelch any suspicion that the term ‘graphic’ indicates X-rated material, this graphic text is in the format of a comic book – blocks of drawn images parcel out the diary of facts about his life in a most entertaining manner.
And in the tradition of distilling the content for potential readers’ seduction, Ray offers a fine synopsis: ‘Life can take a man many places. Born in disputed Israel, fostered in Middle America, and then finally driven into Rising China—Ray Hecht takes journey after journey as he tries to figure it all out. He goes down many paths from the years 1982 to 2019, attempting and failing at new identities with each passing decade: artist, filmmaker, journalist, and author. Told in simple lines and crude forms, Ray’s graphic memoir Always Goodbye rushes through the milestones of a person’s life with harsh sincerity. Follow along these memories of a man’s travels across the globe as he tries to find himself, always saying goodbye but then reconnecting all over again, as many times as it takes… ‘
Given that roadmap, the joy is in the discovery of a unique man’s life, with all the accompanying challenges and happenstances of a man on the go – literally and poetically – as we discover the peculiarities of his various points of arrivals and departures and all the entertaining business in between the hellos and goodbyes.
Spend a fun time getting to know a very interesting (and talented!) writer/artist – it is well worth the trip! Recommended.
November 27, 2019
This is a review of an ARC copy sent to me by the author.
Its 4 stars because I am probably not the authors target demographic for a graphic novel. I am probably to old to 'get it.' Being a Brit I never got into the American comic book craze that has spawned graphic novels. I prefer words and the pictures in my head. Like Ray I live and work in China, and I'm still here after 7 years, we do have that in common. I recognised some of the struggles he faced when working, living and dating in China. I got lucky, I found myself a wife straight off the bat, didn't need no internet dating - notwithstanding my internet dating in the UK was as much a failure as Rays was in China.
I also recognise Ray in the many American expats here in China. I'm no prude or square despite my age but the American expat love affair with drugs surprises even me. Of course alcohol is the main drug of choice for the expat but many of the (younger) Americans I met had a voracious capacity for chemicals of many many different types.
As an author myself, having written a couple of novels and a memoir of my time in China (before getting married so it's rather racy - not too bad going for an old guy) I admire his persistence in attempting to get published and eventually succeeding. Like Ray I also freelance for a local expat paper here in Hangzhou and proofread and edit stuff for a local university - so I know the feeling.
I recently interviewed some Italian librarians on a work exchange here in Hangzhou and they told me they had been at a librarian conference where graphic novels were held up as the gateway to reading for younger people who find books too scary.
My main problem with this book, hence the missing star, is it just seems to be skimming the surface. For me memoirs should be delving beneath the surface giving us some depth. I'm not sure this did the job for me. Yes, I read it in two days so there was enough to keep me at it, but do I really know Ray? No. I just have this image of the sort of American expat of whom another writer tells us in his biography of an American Bum in China - categorises the type of bar fly American you will find in China (and elsewhere in Asia) "[symbolises]... the wretched, white trash wanderlusting that has come to define the new generation of young, restless, socially unmoored American expatriates fleeing to the Middle Kingdom [China] ... whose shores are now teeming with Western refuse..."
This might seem harsh and towards the end of the book Ray seems to have pulled himself together, and has a new life in Taiwan with his partner and he surely has published a number of books - so good luck to him. So all in all a different experience - it hasn't converted me to the graphic novel genre - but an interesting story, nevertheless.
Its 4 stars because I am probably not the authors target demographic for a graphic novel. I am probably to old to 'get it.' Being a Brit I never got into the American comic book craze that has spawned graphic novels. I prefer words and the pictures in my head. Like Ray I live and work in China, and I'm still here after 7 years, we do have that in common. I recognised some of the struggles he faced when working, living and dating in China. I got lucky, I found myself a wife straight off the bat, didn't need no internet dating - notwithstanding my internet dating in the UK was as much a failure as Rays was in China.
I also recognise Ray in the many American expats here in China. I'm no prude or square despite my age but the American expat love affair with drugs surprises even me. Of course alcohol is the main drug of choice for the expat but many of the (younger) Americans I met had a voracious capacity for chemicals of many many different types.
As an author myself, having written a couple of novels and a memoir of my time in China (before getting married so it's rather racy - not too bad going for an old guy) I admire his persistence in attempting to get published and eventually succeeding. Like Ray I also freelance for a local expat paper here in Hangzhou and proofread and edit stuff for a local university - so I know the feeling.
I recently interviewed some Italian librarians on a work exchange here in Hangzhou and they told me they had been at a librarian conference where graphic novels were held up as the gateway to reading for younger people who find books too scary.
My main problem with this book, hence the missing star, is it just seems to be skimming the surface. For me memoirs should be delving beneath the surface giving us some depth. I'm not sure this did the job for me. Yes, I read it in two days so there was enough to keep me at it, but do I really know Ray? No. I just have this image of the sort of American expat of whom another writer tells us in his biography of an American Bum in China - categorises the type of bar fly American you will find in China (and elsewhere in Asia) "[symbolises]... the wretched, white trash wanderlusting that has come to define the new generation of young, restless, socially unmoored American expatriates fleeing to the Middle Kingdom [China] ... whose shores are now teeming with Western refuse..."
This might seem harsh and towards the end of the book Ray seems to have pulled himself together, and has a new life in Taiwan with his partner and he surely has published a number of books - so good luck to him. So all in all a different experience - it hasn't converted me to the graphic novel genre - but an interesting story, nevertheless.
April 4, 2020
Ray Hecht’s autobiographical graphic novel starts with his birth in Israel and ends up with him working in Asia. Moving to America as a small child he has an unstable upbringing, thanks to his Russian mother and American father divorcing. The drawings and the layout here obviously took a lot of work and I dare say that it may have been easier just to write it as a book, however, this was a more interesting way to tell his story. Each year is introduced with a picture of a key event and I laughed when I saw OJ’s Bronco being chased by police down the highway for 1994.
A self-confessed nerdy child, Hecht struggles socially and finds solace in comic books. A convincing portrayal of how America can be a lonely place for a teenager, a lot of this must have been hard to bring to the surface again. Probably the most painful incident is when he gets kicked out of school for something he says about a mass shooting. Despite being an introvert, he makes various efforts to improve his social life, investigating subcultures looking for something to hold onto. He tries drugs too, but the answer doesn’t lie there. I was waiting for his reading to break out from the pure escapism of comics and this does eventually happen.
His mother remarries a none-too trustworthy Israeli man and Ray stays with his Dad, who trains to be a nurse and Ray does recognise his father’s efforts to better himself. His sister is academic and as she grows up gets sucked into a conservative Israeli world that Hecht wants no part of.
In his early twenties Ray moves away from his Dad and back again several times, in a non-linear surge towards independence common in his generation. He has a string of dead-end jobs in various States and vaguely commits to life in California before salvation comes in the form of China. Like many young Westerners who go to work in Asia (me included), it’s the first time he has the luxury of living alone in a decent apartment. Ray realises that a lot of the expat life is about drinking and tries to find meaning through writing and dating. The dating doesn’t go so well, but gives him material to write about. He publishes a novel and gets involved in a serious relationship with a South African woman. I was interested to read that he went down to Hong Kong every six months initially to get visas but then got a ten year China visa? Surely long term visas like that are not on the table anymore?
The text isn’t that polished and there are still a few mistakes to be ironed out, or perhaps they were left in the on purpose to emphasize the DIY nature of this work? His analysis of society is usually spot on and you can see a narrow view of the world broadening as he travels more - this gives the story a nice arc. As a thirty-something he ends up in Taiwan, looking at current events it was probably a wise move to leave China and move there.
A self-confessed nerdy child, Hecht struggles socially and finds solace in comic books. A convincing portrayal of how America can be a lonely place for a teenager, a lot of this must have been hard to bring to the surface again. Probably the most painful incident is when he gets kicked out of school for something he says about a mass shooting. Despite being an introvert, he makes various efforts to improve his social life, investigating subcultures looking for something to hold onto. He tries drugs too, but the answer doesn’t lie there. I was waiting for his reading to break out from the pure escapism of comics and this does eventually happen.
His mother remarries a none-too trustworthy Israeli man and Ray stays with his Dad, who trains to be a nurse and Ray does recognise his father’s efforts to better himself. His sister is academic and as she grows up gets sucked into a conservative Israeli world that Hecht wants no part of.
In his early twenties Ray moves away from his Dad and back again several times, in a non-linear surge towards independence common in his generation. He has a string of dead-end jobs in various States and vaguely commits to life in California before salvation comes in the form of China. Like many young Westerners who go to work in Asia (me included), it’s the first time he has the luxury of living alone in a decent apartment. Ray realises that a lot of the expat life is about drinking and tries to find meaning through writing and dating. The dating doesn’t go so well, but gives him material to write about. He publishes a novel and gets involved in a serious relationship with a South African woman. I was interested to read that he went down to Hong Kong every six months initially to get visas but then got a ten year China visa? Surely long term visas like that are not on the table anymore?
The text isn’t that polished and there are still a few mistakes to be ironed out, or perhaps they were left in the on purpose to emphasize the DIY nature of this work? His analysis of society is usually spot on and you can see a narrow view of the world broadening as he travels more - this gives the story a nice arc. As a thirty-something he ends up in Taiwan, looking at current events it was probably a wise move to leave China and move there.
April 8, 2020
In this midst of this worldwide pandemic, I've found myself passing on those dystopian novels I used to love and instead seeking out a little more "comfort food" in the books I've read this year. Lighthearted, humorous and even self-deprecating stories of people grappling with everyday problems that you wouldn't find in a disaster film have offered me much-needed refuge in these unusual and challenging times for all. Bonus if they touch on experiences I've had living here in China and Asia, including cross-cultural dating and relationships.
Thank goodness Ray Hecht sent me his new graphic novel Always Goodbye, which really hit the spot on all fronts.
The graphic novel spans Ray's life from birth up to 2019, and it makes for a pleasant read, thanks to its honesty. As much as it certainly charts the highs in his life, the novel also delves into those lows and failures too as he pursues a variety of different careers, not always with success. Ray approaches even difficult topics and moments with a refreshing sense of humor, and we could all use a laugh these days. And Ray's experiences in moving to China and dating locals will resonate with those of us who have visited or lived here.
Thank goodness Ray Hecht sent me his new graphic novel Always Goodbye, which really hit the spot on all fronts.
The graphic novel spans Ray's life from birth up to 2019, and it makes for a pleasant read, thanks to its honesty. As much as it certainly charts the highs in his life, the novel also delves into those lows and failures too as he pursues a variety of different careers, not always with success. Ray approaches even difficult topics and moments with a refreshing sense of humor, and we could all use a laugh these days. And Ray's experiences in moving to China and dating locals will resonate with those of us who have visited or lived here.
February 16, 2020
with the coming of a new decade, novelist Ray Hecht has broadened his creative output into the graphic novel. this makes him sort of the inverse of Ariel Schrag, who put out four graphic memoirs before evolving into a pure print novelist. in both cases, the artists have managed to broaden their appeal and gained new audiences. that's good.
in Always Goodbye, one's first impression is not absolutely compelling--one might even call the art style a 4-star scribbly one without attention to black space--but then Hecht's talent with storytelling saves the day, and he manages to mine the ore of his past experience into a purified storyline. back in the Cold War days, spies were said to be motivated by MICE: Money, Ideology, Conscience, or Ego, and insofar as an artist is a sort of spy on real life, who delves into the secret niches of the world and then emerges with his report, Hecht returns with an unflinching look at a young man's coming of age, complete with sexual and pharmaceutical exploration. Hecht's method is to separate his chapters into year-by-year sections, opening with a definitive image of the year, and then weave together public events with his private life, and so the pages keep turning and the reader is highly impressed. the authenticity and exoticism of Hecht's peripatetic life means this is particularly a good book for Generation Y and for expatriates who can identify with their own parallel lives.
with ★★★★ art and ★★★★★ story, we rate the work ★★★★½ and recommend at least taking a peek at the book and seeing if one can relate. download the sample at Amazon, and perhaps be introduced to a nicely put-together autobiographical memoir complete with life wisdom and wry asides.
in Always Goodbye, one's first impression is not absolutely compelling--one might even call the art style a 4-star scribbly one without attention to black space--but then Hecht's talent with storytelling saves the day, and he manages to mine the ore of his past experience into a purified storyline. back in the Cold War days, spies were said to be motivated by MICE: Money, Ideology, Conscience, or Ego, and insofar as an artist is a sort of spy on real life, who delves into the secret niches of the world and then emerges with his report, Hecht returns with an unflinching look at a young man's coming of age, complete with sexual and pharmaceutical exploration. Hecht's method is to separate his chapters into year-by-year sections, opening with a definitive image of the year, and then weave together public events with his private life, and so the pages keep turning and the reader is highly impressed. the authenticity and exoticism of Hecht's peripatetic life means this is particularly a good book for Generation Y and for expatriates who can identify with their own parallel lives.
with ★★★★ art and ★★★★★ story, we rate the work ★★★★½ and recommend at least taking a peek at the book and seeing if one can relate. download the sample at Amazon, and perhaps be introduced to a nicely put-together autobiographical memoir complete with life wisdom and wry asides.
November 17, 2019
Full disclosure that the author is a friend whose work I support despite his leaving out my brief episode in this, his new graphic novel/autobiography—though he explained why and I forgive him.
This may still be free right now at Amazon and on Ray’s website www.rayhecht.com, so pick yours up.
This may still be free right now at Amazon and on Ray’s website www.rayhecht.com, so pick yours up.
April 18, 2020
Very interesting and emotive graphic novel. I really felt like I lived in Hecht's shoes for some time, and as someone who is also from an immigrant American perspective, I could really relate to the anxieties and loneliness Hecht felt. An absolutely worthwhile read.
March 25, 2021
Different
An interesting way to do a memoir. One to end usually see it done as a graphic novel. Worth the read though.
An interesting way to do a memoir. One to end usually see it done as a graphic novel. Worth the read though.
July 12, 2020
An autobiography about somebody unknown and done in the format of a comic, how could that work? Well it worked for me, I really enjoyed reading this, I can't stand those autobiographies by famous people full of name dropping and desperately trying to make every aspect of their life interesting. Always Goodbye is the sort of book that could be about you, the reader, if you are a child of the 80's then you'll see similarities to your own life in this book, as Ray Hecht describes events you'll be going "I remember that" and you'll end up on your own journey down memory lane. And being born in the 80's means a lot of big moments in your life would be defined by technology, getting that first email address, joining myspace and Facebook, games consoles and smart phones are all big points in Rays life and until reading this I have never thought of things like that before.
A huge part of Rays life has been spent reading and making comics, falling in love with Marvel and DC universes and because he has that huge knowledge about comics it has made this book much more special. Some clever little bits really bring this to life, describing his parents, birth, upbringing and how they met was cleverly done, drawn as a column with each event side by side worked well. Each chapter starts off with a year of Rays life and the first window shows a significant event from that year and I loved trying to figure out what they represented. There was the odd quirky bit thrown in too which gave me a chuckle, favourite bit was Ray sat at his desk at school and the writing about the scene takes up so much space that he has to have his head at an angle.
The comic has been hand drawn, which gives it a personal touch that would have been taken away by a piece of software, whenever Ray draws one of his girlfriends the amount of detail increases until they are almost glowing, it shows just how important they were in his life.
I have really enjoyed reading about Ray's life and now wish I had a time machine to go and get my hands on the sequel in 30 years time :-)
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
A huge part of Rays life has been spent reading and making comics, falling in love with Marvel and DC universes and because he has that huge knowledge about comics it has made this book much more special. Some clever little bits really bring this to life, describing his parents, birth, upbringing and how they met was cleverly done, drawn as a column with each event side by side worked well. Each chapter starts off with a year of Rays life and the first window shows a significant event from that year and I loved trying to figure out what they represented. There was the odd quirky bit thrown in too which gave me a chuckle, favourite bit was Ray sat at his desk at school and the writing about the scene takes up so much space that he has to have his head at an angle.
The comic has been hand drawn, which gives it a personal touch that would have been taken away by a piece of software, whenever Ray draws one of his girlfriends the amount of detail increases until they are almost glowing, it shows just how important they were in his life.
I have really enjoyed reading about Ray's life and now wish I had a time machine to go and get my hands on the sequel in 30 years time :-)
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
December 25, 2019
A very unique autobiography, in graphic novel form, which proves to be, surprisingly, a very effective format in this case, and definitely added to my enjoyment of it.
This author has led a very interesting life, living in different cultures on different continents. He successfully conveys his story with nostalgia, humor and wit, and makes the readers journey fun.
This author has led a very interesting life, living in different cultures on different continents. He successfully conveys his story with nostalgia, humor and wit, and makes the readers journey fun.
March 24, 2021
Little strange
Especially for a 76 year old female who lived a normal quiet life with none of the problems in this book
Especially for a 76 year old female who lived a normal quiet life with none of the problems in this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews