NORTH: THE JOURNEY:
High School Friendships That Lasted A lifetime
North: The Journey is a heartfelt memoir that invites readers on a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of the 1950s, through the eyes of a young man growing up in Valley Stream, Long Island. Told with warmth, humor, and emotional insight, author Raymond Philip Heron II reflects on his unforgettable years at Valley Stream North High School, where friendships, football games, dances, and life lessons shaped his path forever.
Opening with his 50th high school reunion, the book journeys back to his teenage experiences, capturing the joy, simplicity, and spirit of post-war America. With vivid storytelling and over 100 real names interwoven into the narrative, North: The Journey is not just the story of one man, it’s the story of an entire generation coming of age during “the happy days.”
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Raymond Philip Heron II
Raymond Philip Heron II
Raymond Philip Heron II
About The Author
Raymond Philip Heron
My name is Ray Heron, and I grew up on Long Island, NY in a small village called Malverne. I am a proud member of the Valley Stream North High School Spartans graduating class of 1961 where I was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. After seeing things change so much over the years, at my 50th high school reunion I promised to write a book about how things were back in the good old days of the 1950s. Thirteen years later at the age of 81, I was overjoyed to have officially become a first-time published author when my book, North the Journey, was finally completed and released for sale.
Ray now lives in Franklin Square, NY with his wife Lois, we raised three children and now enjoy spending time with our four grandchildren during their visits. I have enjoyed a happy and successful life which I owe mostly to God, my family, my friends, and the many lessons I have learned during my journey through life. To this day, I am blessed to maintain close contact
Testimonials
Share your joy with others with a review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Really a great read and a great journey.
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
This book is phenomenal and so important to the history of Long Island, New York. A poetic life story of simpler days unburdened by social media and cell phones. Beautifully written, meaningful stories. This should be offered in all libraries and as a school read.
Vic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
North -The Journey
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024
This is a great read. It’s like putting your memories of you youth in a Time Capsule.it depicts a span of time and and a special era we all can appreciate.
Great source of history and triggers your own memories of times past.
#6
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 4 out of 5)
North: The Journey: highschoolfriendships that lasted a lifetime
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
As a child of the fifties/sixties(feel so blessed to have been-wonderful years), I found this story bringing me back to these times! It was a heartwarming true tale of a happy life filled with stories of growing up in simpler times, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of reflection of his life. An enjoyable read. Diane B.
Ray
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
A trip down memory lane!
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2024
As a graduate of North, class of 1970, I found this a wonderful read. I was in elementary school when the author attended North. The first football game I ever attended was the 1960 North-South game, which the author was playing in. I was there with my father and recall North's victory and now I fully appreciate what went on that day. A great victory and championship for North!
Ray Heron's story brought back wonderful memories of growing up in Franklin Square and attending North. Very heartfelt and honest. It also brought back a great era, the likes of which we'll never see again. Sometimes I wish I had gone to North in the 50s!
Whether or not you went to North, I highly recommend this book.
Frank De Rosa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Great Memories from a Great Era
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
I grew up just around the block from Ray Heron in Malverne. Our Moms were good friends for a long time. I wanted to read Ray's book because: a. He wrote it. b. I went to grammar school with a lot of his classmates.
The book is a great look back at another era...one very different from today. It was fun to relive that period and to see names I remembered from 4th grade at Corona Avenue School: Lou Martorello, Roberta Natalie, and Bernie Havern...among others.
A great read!!
J. Jeffrey Campbell
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
GREAT READ!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
For a person who does not read a lot, I found this book to be a great read. I could not put the book down. The book is old school, funny snd humble. I enjoyed every page of Ray’s journey. The journey will inspire you to see how someones life transpired from a happy go lucky kid, to someone who has given so much back to his family, friends and many others. Something our world needs more of. Buy the book, it will bring a smile to your face!
Eileen Lopiano
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
A candid view into High School life in the 50’s and 60’s
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
I lived these experiences myself at that time. Heron provides the reader with details of his own experiences with names and dates that allows you to visualize the landscape as it was. The period described in “North: The Journey” was before cell phones and social media. The friends you made and the relationships you enjoyed were cultivated the old-fashioned way, face to face, one at a time. You didn’t wake up one morning to find that overnight your social media account had grown another thousand “friends”. Those relationships endured the test of time only to be broken by the thing that gets us all in the end. I would recommend this read to anyone curious about how we got to where we are now any why older folks seem to have longer lasting and meaningful friendships.
Richard Renda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
This great read will take you back to the 50s
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
This is a well written autobiography that will take you back to a time in the 50s when life long friendships were made to last. I was a part of the story and totally enjoyed the memories it brought back. I both laughed and cried reading it. How Ray was able to recall the intimate details of individual days is truly amazing. I highly recommend it. I started reading and couldn't put it down.
John R Belluardo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Nostalgic and heartwarming
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
This is the book for you if you were fortunate enough to grow up in the 50's and 60's! Page after page of heartwarming stories and memories that you will relate to with great nostalgia, recalling fun times of an innocent era and even evoking some sadness as those times can't ever be recaptured.... especially since many people from that wonderful area are gone.....Ray really hit the mark in helping us to remember and bring it all back......Also wonderful photos to jerk us back to an era never to be repeated again!
joro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Great reading!
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
Ray’s life is intertwined with the events across the town, the country and even the world! It is a detailed and interesting read. As Ray enters different stages of life he explains his interpretations and describes why he did the things he did. Overall God has a plan and we should have faith and trust that the plan will work out the way it should. I highly recommend this book! It is a great read!
Carol B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Class of 58 Maria Galante Petrillo
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
Although I graduated in 58, the book brought me back to the good ole days at North Hi. The floats, the games, the teachers and the proms. I’m still blessed to be friends, like you said in the book, with a lot of friends fromVSN. It was a special time and am glad we experienced it. I gave your book to one of our friends from VSN and am sure he will love it as I did. Thanks for the memories.
Maria Petrillo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Brings you back it to a different more peaceful time
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024
Very enjoyable and easy read about growing up on Long Island, New York in the 1950’s and early 1960.
I am a friend of the author and am in the books few times. I think anyone who wants to remember their high school years will enjoy this book. Filled with a lot of safe mischief from energetic teenagers
mishele
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Beautifully written trip down memory lane of an great class of ‘61 at Valley Stream North HS
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
Ray captured the warm feelings, close bond and wonderful years of youth in the 50’s . He brought back feel-good memories that recalled friendships shared by teammates and classmates. We traveled so many different paths to careers and adulthood but all were heavily influenced by teachers and parents while we were still teens.
A mix of backgrounds, personalities and talents forged into a championship season.
Great read. Thank you , Ray.
Richard A Zucker
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
North The Journey
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
I just finished reading Ray Heron's book North `the Journey ,I recommend this book for everyone that grew up in the 50's ,I enjoyed reading the heartfelt stories of yesterday ,funny and full of memories
Billy Toto
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
A beautiful story of friendship…Author Ray Heron wrote a Tremendous book !
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
This book bought back so many memories of my childhood and friendships that I have growing up…I recommend this book to anyone who loves sentimental storytelling ..
Yours Truly,
Robert A. Malandro
Robert A. Malandro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
North: The Journey
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
Beautiful picture of growing up on Long Island at a unique time
Kathleen Richardson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
North: the Journey
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
Laugh until you cry and then laugh again. A great story of fellowship of children of WE 2 vets. Don’t miss it!
Noel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
It's all true
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
Ray is a very talented writer
Even if you didn't go to North you will enjoy this book
Full of humor it is hard to put down because it is so enjoyable
Nan Seedman
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Wonderful memories
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
Ray Heron wrote a wonderful
story about growing up on Long Long
In New York State during the 1950s. I laughed, cried and enjoyed every page of NORTH: THE JOURNEY.
MBilewich
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Wonderful nostalgia & personal insight
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024
The author's authenticity and humor make this book a nice, easy read. It made me nostalgic for a time I never even lived through. Definitely worth the read!
Jeannie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Life and times in the 50 and 60s
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
it's a perfect book about the life and times of students in anyplace USA.
Barnett Rukin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Friendships are important in life
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
Through all his ups and downs he followed his heart and trusted in God.
Rh13
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Lots of names of old classmates at North High
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about Ray growing up in Malverne.
Harry Lederer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Brought back so many great memories! Bob Cash
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
I enjoyed all the great stories about growing up in the 50's.
Jordaine Cash
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Fantastic Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
I taught at Valley Stream North for 33 years from 1968 till I retired in 2021. The accurate depiction of life during the late 1950's brought back so many fond memories of the time. The story could be about any high school on Long Island at that time time. It usually takes me about 2 months to read a book, this one I read in two days. I could not put the book down. It was so easy to read and enjoy. You can't go wrong if you had anything to do with North High School. I was so proud of teaching there at the time I did. Get it and enjoy.
Charles J. Erreger
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
A thoughtful journey
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
A very enjoyable read that takes us on a journey to a simpler, more innocent time. First time author Ray Heron offers the reader an insightful, humorous account of his high school years in the late 50’s, highlighting the events surrounding his participation in the local football rivalry. A story of lifelong friendships spanning generations that is sure to make readers, young and old, reflect on their own formative years.
Paul Sasso
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Roger Angrisani
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
A wonderful memory of times that passed. A lot of laughs, Those were truly happy days and nights. Great reflections of years of good friendship and loyal unity.
Roger.A.Angrisani
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Memories
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
The book North the journey was a great read. I graduated in 1971 ,my brother's Sal 1961,Joe 1963 my sister Phyllis 1966. The names in the book were very familiar they were my brother Sals friends. Brought back a lot of great memories. I thank Ray to bring those great times back again. Great read. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Caroline Pepitone
caroline a geloso
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Karen Hoffman Eisenberg
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024
This is a beautifully written book by Mr. Heron about growing up in the 50's, family, friendships and so much more. You didn't have to grow up in the 50's or go to Valley Stream North High School, where Mr. Heron was a student, to love this book. The book will bring back so many wonderful memories of your childhood and growing up as part of the greatest generation! I highly recommend this book!!
Gail H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Wonderful Memories of a Simpler Time!
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
I, too, attended North, and although I graduated 7 years after the author, I share many of the same memories -- the annual North/South football game and the float parade, as well as many of the teachers, and the happy memories of growing up on Long Island in the '50s and '60s.
AA in New York City
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 4 out of 5)
An Enviable Journey Through Life
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
This book will appeal most to those who went to North, and especially those of us who were fortunate (?) to participate in some of the more humorous experiences recounted by Ray Heron in his book. But even those who were not so fortunate (?) can benefit from Ray’s journey through life. His deep reliance on his faith and the way he turned his life around at a relatively late age are really inspirational. Ray was the class clown, a classic underachiever. Yet he found himself, achieved personal tranquility, contributed to the growth of so many people in his community, and raised an exceptional family. I am truly proud of him and his story of personal growth, and would recommend the book to anyone seeking a similar path. I deducted one star because of minor inaccuracies (based admittedly on my precarious memory) and editing errors. But overall an easy, heartwarming read.
Artsan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 4 out of 5)
A candid view into High School life in the 50’s and 60’s
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
I lived these experiences myself at that time. Heron provides the reader with details of his own experiences with names and dates that allows you to visualize the landscape as it was. The period described in “North: The Journey” was before cell phones and social media. The friends you made and the relationships you enjoyed were cultivated the old-fashioned way, face to face, one at a time. You didn’t wake up one morning to find that overnight your social media account had grown another thousand “friends”. Those relationships endured the test of time only to be broken by the thing that gets us all in the end. I would recommend this read to anyone curious about how we got to where we are now any why older folks seem to have longer lasting and meaningful friendships.
richard renda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 5 out of 5)
Really a great read and a great journey.
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
This book is phenomenal and so important to the history of Long Island, New York. A poetic life story of simpler days unburdened by social media and cell phones. Beautifully written, meaningful stories. This should be offered in all libraries and as a school read.
Vic
