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Memoirs of a Mongol without a Pony
Shane Stern has Down syndrome and a wicked sense of humor. Leave your heartstrings and sympathies at the door, for this is no woe-is-me or triumph-over-adversity soap opera. Enter a world you have never heard of, experienced or seen. An irreverent, profane, hilarious, and unfiltered worldview, as seen through the “savvy, if somewhat skewed eyes” of one truly unique wise man. Memoirs of a Mongol without a Pony, while providing a running commentary on gender, race, sports, entertainment, politics, celebrities, and American culture in general, is at its heart, an utterly original portrait of a charismatic life traveler, wandering deep into the hearts and souls of those fortunate enough to tag along at his side.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 23, 2018
This is an enjoyable memoir about a memorable boy growing into a young man written by his father with Shawn’s input. You see the boy just happened to be born with Down’s Syndrome. That’s where the reference to a Mongol comes from, as the condition used to be called or Mongolism or being a Mongoloid. But this is basically the story of a family and things happened as the boy was growing up. Shawn is a very happy kid, as he says most “Downer’s” are, as he calls himself and others like him. His mom goes to school to become an artist and his dad is going to school to be a doctor, but he also refers to them as hippie type parents in some ways.
This is an endearing read and I’d recommend it for those who like memoirs of this type with a lot of feel-good moments. It does say in the beginning of the book that it’s not completely non-fiction, because of memory issues or whatever, which I totally relate to having the same problem. But you can decide for yourself if that is a problem for you or not in reading. It’s still a lovely book, regardless and the father’s intelligent input makes it very readable. An advance digital copy was provided by Goodreads, author R.G. Stern, and the publisher for my unbiased review.
Banal Press
Pub: March 17, 2016
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
This is an endearing read and I’d recommend it for those who like memoirs of this type with a lot of feel-good moments. It does say in the beginning of the book that it’s not completely non-fiction, because of memory issues or whatever, which I totally relate to having the same problem. But you can decide for yourself if that is a problem for you or not in reading. It’s still a lovely book, regardless and the father’s intelligent input makes it very readable. An advance digital copy was provided by Goodreads, author R.G. Stern, and the publisher for my unbiased review.
Banal Press
Pub: March 17, 2016
My Bookzone blog at Wordpress: https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
April 25, 2016
Full disclosure: I am the mom of Shane and spouse of the author - so am I biased? You bet I am . Who cares? Just so you know. I thought this was one of the funniest books I ever read, because Shane took me along for the ride that was/is his life and I got to live it. More than that, I got to watch both my son and husband spend countless hours arguing over stories from the past during the writing of the book, with each of them having slightly different (and sometimes grossly different) memories of the same incidents. Final versions tended to be refereed by me, but almost always were correctly remembered by Shano, who is simply much smarter than my husband. You may not believe some of these events, but they really did occur and though I see these memoirs in a very different light than the average reader, they are real, surprisingly incredible, and a tribute to the charisma and joie de vivre of Shano, who has taught us way more than we ever taught him. And it certainly wasn't in any way related to the quality of our parenting. Read this book and see for yourselves.
November 22, 2017
Once again it is proved to me that doctors make brilliant writers and produce remarkable pieces! Without a doubt, R. G. Stern wrote one hell of an outstanding memoir.
Btw, Am I the only one who fell in love with the synopsis?! ♥
It is a very enjoyable biography both in terms of style and events. In terms of style, it is simple in its appearance and sophisticated in its essence. In terms of events, you'll find yourself wholeheartedly smiling most of the time. And although it is narrated with a humorous tone, you'll have tears in your eyes and cry over certain stories.
And of course having a printed copy of this book, that is autographed by both the author (Shane‘s father) and Shane himself, is simply something that I will always consider a wonderful gift ♥
Btw, Am I the only one who fell in love with the synopsis?! ♥
It is a very enjoyable biography both in terms of style and events. In terms of style, it is simple in its appearance and sophisticated in its essence. In terms of events, you'll find yourself wholeheartedly smiling most of the time. And although it is narrated with a humorous tone, you'll have tears in your eyes and cry over certain stories.
And of course having a printed copy of this book, that is autographed by both the author (Shane‘s father) and Shane himself, is simply something that I will always consider a wonderful gift ♥
August 4, 2016
‘You have to expose yourself fully in a memoir or so I am told.’
R.G. Stern writes about unique individuals – his original debut was ORB (a lad with nubbins for hands and feet, Paul, aka The Orb) and now Shane, a Down’s Syndrome lad whose autobiography this is – as told trough the enormous talent of father R.G. Stern.
The Introduction, related by Shane, is so fine it bears quoting – ‘My name is Shane. I was named after a cowboy movie that is very famous starring Alan Ladd. I don’t think anyone under 60 years of age has heard of it anymore, thus it really is not that famous….I have what is medically known as Down syndrome, an increasingly chic and popular genetic disorder in contemporary Western society. Popular in the sense that Down’s people are sort of cute (they even have Down’s fashion models now, some of whom are pretty hot), are seemingly happy-go-lucky, and are not prone to dramatic outbursts of temper or violence as are other supposedly disabled people. Or the general population for that matter, which seem to have that affliction to a far greater degree….I have what is medically known as Down syndrome, an increasingly chic and popular genetic disorder in contemporary Western society. Popular in the sense that Down’s people are sort of cute (they even have Down’s fashion models now, some of whom are pretty hot), are seemingly happy-go-lucky, and are not prone to dramatic outbursts of temper or violence as are other supposedly disabled people. Or the general population for that matter, which seem to have that affliction to a far greater degree….I’m not going to tell you my entire life story, because who can remember all that. And correctly, too. Autobiographies and biographies are way over-rated, very biased and inaccurate. They try to give a beginning, middle and end to an entire life and seamlessly integrate everything into a neat complete whole. Well, life is a mess, hopefully a good mess. My book is a story of excerpts and anecdotes from a life well lived (how pathetically trite a phrase– an example of my dad’s literary limitations), and it is up to the reader to put them all together coherently. I still haven’t figured it out, other than the fact I have had a blast so far.’
So that readers have an inkling of what to expect Stern offers a synopsis: ‘Shane Stern has Down syndrome and a wicked sense of humor. This irreverent, profane, hilarious, and moving autobiography recalls his travels through the challenges, reverses, and small victories of childhood, the maze of scholastic and social barriers he has to negotiate, and his passage into adulthood. MEMOIRS OF A MONGOL WITHOUT A PONY, while providing a running commentary on gender, race, sports, entertainment, politics, celebrities, and American culture in general, is at its heart an ode to the remarkable power of one individual to overcome stereotypes and bring out extraordinary warmth and kindness in those he meets. The book describes with wit and verve the many wonderful and quirky characters who have touched Shane’s life. Memoirs is an utterly original portrait of a charismatic person who lives a life that is different from most, but complete in its innocence, mischievousness, and ultimately, achievement.’
That brief overview is fine, but what follows is one of the most clever and hilarious and ultimately touching tales on the shelves (or Kindles) today. All aspects of life as seen through the savvy is sometimes skewed eyes of Shane. This book changes the way we view ‘disabilities’ – and that is more than reason enough to dive in to Shane’s life
R.G. Stern writes about unique individuals – his original debut was ORB (a lad with nubbins for hands and feet, Paul, aka The Orb) and now Shane, a Down’s Syndrome lad whose autobiography this is – as told trough the enormous talent of father R.G. Stern.
The Introduction, related by Shane, is so fine it bears quoting – ‘My name is Shane. I was named after a cowboy movie that is very famous starring Alan Ladd. I don’t think anyone under 60 years of age has heard of it anymore, thus it really is not that famous….I have what is medically known as Down syndrome, an increasingly chic and popular genetic disorder in contemporary Western society. Popular in the sense that Down’s people are sort of cute (they even have Down’s fashion models now, some of whom are pretty hot), are seemingly happy-go-lucky, and are not prone to dramatic outbursts of temper or violence as are other supposedly disabled people. Or the general population for that matter, which seem to have that affliction to a far greater degree….I have what is medically known as Down syndrome, an increasingly chic and popular genetic disorder in contemporary Western society. Popular in the sense that Down’s people are sort of cute (they even have Down’s fashion models now, some of whom are pretty hot), are seemingly happy-go-lucky, and are not prone to dramatic outbursts of temper or violence as are other supposedly disabled people. Or the general population for that matter, which seem to have that affliction to a far greater degree….I’m not going to tell you my entire life story, because who can remember all that. And correctly, too. Autobiographies and biographies are way over-rated, very biased and inaccurate. They try to give a beginning, middle and end to an entire life and seamlessly integrate everything into a neat complete whole. Well, life is a mess, hopefully a good mess. My book is a story of excerpts and anecdotes from a life well lived (how pathetically trite a phrase– an example of my dad’s literary limitations), and it is up to the reader to put them all together coherently. I still haven’t figured it out, other than the fact I have had a blast so far.’
So that readers have an inkling of what to expect Stern offers a synopsis: ‘Shane Stern has Down syndrome and a wicked sense of humor. This irreverent, profane, hilarious, and moving autobiography recalls his travels through the challenges, reverses, and small victories of childhood, the maze of scholastic and social barriers he has to negotiate, and his passage into adulthood. MEMOIRS OF A MONGOL WITHOUT A PONY, while providing a running commentary on gender, race, sports, entertainment, politics, celebrities, and American culture in general, is at its heart an ode to the remarkable power of one individual to overcome stereotypes and bring out extraordinary warmth and kindness in those he meets. The book describes with wit and verve the many wonderful and quirky characters who have touched Shane’s life. Memoirs is an utterly original portrait of a charismatic person who lives a life that is different from most, but complete in its innocence, mischievousness, and ultimately, achievement.’
That brief overview is fine, but what follows is one of the most clever and hilarious and ultimately touching tales on the shelves (or Kindles) today. All aspects of life as seen through the savvy is sometimes skewed eyes of Shane. This book changes the way we view ‘disabilities’ – and that is more than reason enough to dive in to Shane’s life
April 15, 2016
Wonderful book!
This book very hilariously illustrates the excitement and joy of a life well lived without regard for anything other than doing what seems right and what is true and what is fun. Shane Stern is the true wise man who worries not about achievement or about what others think of him, but rather about living in the moment and appreciating every person for who he or she is. He sees through the curtains and walls most humans build around themselves and seems to see through these barriers into people's souls. He does not care for fashion or elegance or fanciness, but rather for a friendly smile and a life free of pretense. He cuts right through skin color, religion, and wealth, and slashes at the little obstacles that society imposes upon all of us. Shane, whether with or without Down Syndrome, was very lucky to have been born into a family that values what is important in life. His parents were fortunate to recognize his special gifts and to make the most of them. His parents did not worry about his limitations, but they developed his potential. Any child born into such a situation is destined for greatness, regardless of chromosomal state.
This book has a great approach to what to many people would be devastating obstacles. I have no idea how I would have responded to such challenges, but I doubt I could have mustered such grace and strength. This book is not a "how to" manual on managing children with "challenges;" but it does illustrate the tremendous value of meeting any challenge with determination and optimism.
You could say this book is a song of joy, AND you could say it's ridiculously funny.
My wife made an excellent comment: This would make a fantastic movie!
This book very hilariously illustrates the excitement and joy of a life well lived without regard for anything other than doing what seems right and what is true and what is fun. Shane Stern is the true wise man who worries not about achievement or about what others think of him, but rather about living in the moment and appreciating every person for who he or she is. He sees through the curtains and walls most humans build around themselves and seems to see through these barriers into people's souls. He does not care for fashion or elegance or fanciness, but rather for a friendly smile and a life free of pretense. He cuts right through skin color, religion, and wealth, and slashes at the little obstacles that society imposes upon all of us. Shane, whether with or without Down Syndrome, was very lucky to have been born into a family that values what is important in life. His parents were fortunate to recognize his special gifts and to make the most of them. His parents did not worry about his limitations, but they developed his potential. Any child born into such a situation is destined for greatness, regardless of chromosomal state.
This book has a great approach to what to many people would be devastating obstacles. I have no idea how I would have responded to such challenges, but I doubt I could have mustered such grace and strength. This book is not a "how to" manual on managing children with "challenges;" but it does illustrate the tremendous value of meeting any challenge with determination and optimism.
You could say this book is a song of joy, AND you could say it's ridiculously funny.
My wife made an excellent comment: This would make a fantastic movie!
April 17, 2016
A wonderful memoir. Sort of a love story between a father and son, although in this telling, the son appears to be the wiser and saner of the two, teaching his father how to enjoy and live a full life. Funny, sharp-witted and sarcastic, Shane Stern can teach us all a thing or two about accomplishments, goals and curiosity. The format and telling of the memoir is unique and clever. Hearing Shane's voice through his father's writing is a joy. I highly recommend this book.
January 23, 2017
Certainly one of the most remarkable memoirs I've ever read. Shane announces right at the outset how he perceives his own situation when in the introduction he says "I have what is medically known as Down syndrome, an increasingly chic and popular disorder in contemporary Western society." What he then serves up is a profound insight into the human condition -- and in particular a new perspective into what makes us miserable or happy, apprehensive or hopeful, forever young or old before our time.
Shane's worldview is one where somehow it's always sunny, no matter the situation in which he finds himself. When things go sideways for him, Shane manages to see the humor of the situation, whether it's freezing his ass off in Minneapolis, getting fired or never figuring our how to "catch the damn ball!"
What he teaches us is that we tend to overthink the situation; we're so busy worrying about failure, or consequences, or the assholes we meet that we miss out on a lot of the sheer joy of life. When you or I might still be obsessing over how to chat up an attractive girl, Shane would already have obtained her permission to rub one of her tattoos! All of which forces us to a realization that in many ways, you and I are a lot less fortunate than Shane, instead of the other way round.
Shane's worldview is one where somehow it's always sunny, no matter the situation in which he finds himself. When things go sideways for him, Shane manages to see the humor of the situation, whether it's freezing his ass off in Minneapolis, getting fired or never figuring our how to "catch the damn ball!"
What he teaches us is that we tend to overthink the situation; we're so busy worrying about failure, or consequences, or the assholes we meet that we miss out on a lot of the sheer joy of life. When you or I might still be obsessing over how to chat up an attractive girl, Shane would already have obtained her permission to rub one of her tattoos! All of which forces us to a realization that in many ways, you and I are a lot less fortunate than Shane, instead of the other way round.
October 11, 2022
No better book on down syndrome and fatherhood than this one.
September 15, 2017
To be honest it was ish, very repetitive and quite boring. I couldn't relate to most of his stories because they were mainly about basketball and baseball and I'm not keen on those games. The book was funny in places but not enough to be enjoyable. Shane is a funny guy, at times, and seems to be a caring person but he came across as a bit of a big head which put me off him a touch. At every sport he's ever played he, of course, was the best and I raised my eyes in frustration every time I saw how he got the perfect score at this or whooped whoever at that. He also came across as very disrespectful to his parents which I didn't like, calling them names and being downright selfish towards them. For a guy with Down Syndrome I praise all his achievements, he seems to have done a lot of things in his time but the book, along with its grammatical errors, was a huge disappointment.
April 19, 2016
I loved this book - Shane and his family have a great sense of humor! Shane has a great attitude towards life - and doesn't let anything get him down - he is great at "going with the flow" - and makes friends everywhere he goes. I enjoyed reading about Shane's escapades, and his chance encounters with some very famous people! Great read - I recommend it highly!
September 8, 2016
This is a book written by someone with Downs Syndrome with the help of his father which I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it funny, sweet and uplifting. Both Shane and his parents seem like such special people. I was so lucky to win a copy through Goodreads and would highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you Shane and father for such a truly wonderful and touching book. You are stars.
April 18, 2016
I love this book. I could really picture it as a movie while I read it. Shane touches so many people and truly gets the most out of life. I loved sitting down to read this, especially whenever I could use something uplifting! Definitely recommend!
June 1, 2018
So entertaining!!! This guy has a great sense of humor. Hope to read more from him. Updates please!!!
April 15, 2016
It's a Must read!!! A wonderful look at the Unique life of Shane a young man with Down syndrome. Shane tells us his story in mostly his own as his father writes the book we get a look at a life well lived and a funny look the relationship between this father and son.
June 25, 2018
Really enjoyed this look at life from the perspective of a boy/man with Downs Syndrome. And what a life he had! Kudos to his laid-back, easy going, yet totally advocating parents!
December 16, 2018
Hace más un menos unos dos años que descubrí que este libro existía y me moría de ganas de leerlo. No sé porqué, pero la portada me llamaba muchísimo la atención. Obviamente, como suele pasarme cuando tengo las expectativas muy altas, no fue lo que esperaba.
Algo que no te dice la sinopsis (o al menos yo no me enteré), es que Shane, el protagonista, escribe estas memorias con la ayuda de su padre. Cuando digo ayuda, me refiero a que en realidad Shane dictaba y el papá escribía cambiando cosas a su antojo cuando creía que era necesario. Entiendo todos los motivos por los que decidieron que esta historia fuera contada de esta manera, pero me decepcionó un poco. Para mí, le quitó esa autenticidad que a mi me llamaba tanto la atención.
Shane está muy interesado en los deportes. Yo no, por lo que los capítulos centrados en eso me aburría un poco. Aún así, todo era narrado de una manera tan divertida que me hacían sentirme involucrada y no me cansaba. A pesar de que no fue lo que esperaba, me encantó leer algo así y estoy segura que de vez en cuando me darán ganas de releer algunas de las historias de Shane.
Algo que no te dice la sinopsis (o al menos yo no me enteré), es que Shane, el protagonista, escribe estas memorias con la ayuda de su padre. Cuando digo ayuda, me refiero a que en realidad Shane dictaba y el papá escribía cambiando cosas a su antojo cuando creía que era necesario. Entiendo todos los motivos por los que decidieron que esta historia fuera contada de esta manera, pero me decepcionó un poco. Para mí, le quitó esa autenticidad que a mi me llamaba tanto la atención.
Shane está muy interesado en los deportes. Yo no, por lo que los capítulos centrados en eso me aburría un poco. Aún así, todo era narrado de una manera tan divertida que me hacían sentirme involucrada y no me cansaba. A pesar de que no fue lo que esperaba, me encantó leer algo así y estoy segura que de vez en cuando me darán ganas de releer algunas de las historias de Shane.
July 13, 2017
A very special memoir. Unique, vibrant, fresh, invigorating and humorous. I want to thank Shane and his parents for allowing me to share many of their wonderful memories of friends, athletes, celebrities, and perhaps some street smart characters which all reached out with open hearts, wallets, and incredible cuisine. I would have loved to have been there in person but appreciate the lively narrative and vivid descriptions. Lots of good people out there. God bless them all.
Living in Phoenix and occasionally spending time in Tucson, I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to this wonderful and loving family at a restaurant or ball game. Blessings to all of you. Go Shane!
Living in Phoenix and occasionally spending time in Tucson, I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to this wonderful and loving family at a restaurant or ball game. Blessings to all of you. Go Shane!
May 11, 2018
Kept my interest throughout
December 27, 2019
Throughly enjoyable memoir put together by father and son giving an entirely different perspective on growing up with Down’s Syndrome. Excellent!
December 27, 2019
Unusual memoir by a son and father detailing with much humor the travails encountered growing up with Down’s Syndrome in America. Excellent!
October 21, 2017
The book starts off good enough. But after a bit, it just keeps repeating. Everyone is Shane's best friend. He just seems to have cruised through life with hardly a care in the world and everyone he meets just wants to do the best for him. It is nice to see that at least one person in this world has had a more or less trouble-free life, but it doesn't make for good reading material.
Of course, it has helped that Shane's parents never seem to have wanted for cash. Even as students, they were able to afford to take a year out and tour the world. There were always people with influence around to sort out the few problems they had for them.
What I missed in this story were other family members. There are no Grandpa's or Grandma's. No Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, Sisters or Brothers. It just seems as if Shane's parents come from a vacuum. What happened? Was there some sort of catastrophe or something?
I have met people with Downs Syndrome. Most of them come from poor families, indeed many come from single parent families. I have never met one who could stop working at some sort of job when they were in their mid-twenties. The extra money they brought into the family was always very welcome - even if it was only the minimum wage.
I am afraid the only lessons Shane teaches us in this book is this:
1. If you are going to be born with a handicap, make sure your Mum and Dad are not short of cash.
2. Make sure the parents are outgoing types who make friends and contacts easily.
3. See that at least one parent has loads of time on their hands to be able to fulfil your every wish.
4. Only live in cities with loads of very tolerant people.
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Of course, it has helped that Shane's parents never seem to have wanted for cash. Even as students, they were able to afford to take a year out and tour the world. There were always people with influence around to sort out the few problems they had for them.
What I missed in this story were other family members. There are no Grandpa's or Grandma's. No Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, Sisters or Brothers. It just seems as if Shane's parents come from a vacuum. What happened? Was there some sort of catastrophe or something?
I have met people with Downs Syndrome. Most of them come from poor families, indeed many come from single parent families. I have never met one who could stop working at some sort of job when they were in their mid-twenties. The extra money they brought into the family was always very welcome - even if it was only the minimum wage.
I am afraid the only lessons Shane teaches us in this book is this:
1. If you are going to be born with a handicap, make sure your Mum and Dad are not short of cash.
2. Make sure the parents are outgoing types who make friends and contacts easily.
3. See that at least one parent has loads of time on their hands to be able to fulfil your every wish.
4. Only live in cities with loads of very tolerant people.
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
Want to read
May 1, 2019Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
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