Memoirs of a Mongol without a Pony

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.