Alive and Not Kicking
Humour, Hope and Purpose When Life Changes in an Instant
Alive and Not Kicking is the memoir of John Duthie. In one second, on an ordinary day in September 2009, a falling tree branch caused a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed. This is the story of what happened before, during and after that moment.
One ordinary afternoon. One falling branch. One second that divided a life into before and after.
This is not a story about overcoming adversity. It is a story about living with it.
The Alive and Not Kicking memoir is an honest account of disability, family, faith, chronic pain, resilience, humour and the search for purpose when life takes a direction you never expected.
Through family life, career, paralysis, institutional failures, personal growth and an evolving faith, it explores what it actually feels like to live through sustained crisis and gradual recovery — and to find genuine laughter along the way.
John wrote this book for anyone who has experienced helplessness, loss, disappointment, physical challenge, or a faith tested by life.
Inside the book
- A childhood shaped by adoption secrecy, bullying and feeling different
- A career, family and life heading in the right direction
- The accident that changed everything
- Rehabilitation and the reality of paralysis
- Chronic pain and unexpected complications
- Family struggles, loss and forgiveness
- A faith built through questions rather than answers
- Humour, hope and purpose found in unlikely places
Read an excerpt of chapter one — free
Join the mailing list and John will send you part of the opening chapter of Alive and Not Kicking — free. You’ll also receive occasional updates, new posts and first news of the release date.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime with one click. Privacy policy
About John Duthie
In September 2009, a falling tree branch caused a spinal cord injury that left John paralysed. Before the accident, he worked in information technology, was raising a young family, and assumed life would continue much as planned.
Life took a very different direction. The Alive and Not Kicking memoir tells the story of what happened next.
John lives in South Australia with his cats, Spartacus and Queenie, and is currently preparing the memoir for publication. Through this website, he shares updates, stories and reflections as publication approaches.
Find John elsewhere
♿ WheelchairJohn.com — disability, accessibility and life in a wheelchair
🌐 JohnDuthie.com — projects, creativity, laser designs and personal interests
Frequently asked questions
When will Alive and Not Kicking be published?
The memoir is expected in mid-2027. Mailing list subscribers will be the first to know the confirmed release date.
What is the Alive and Not Kicking memoir about?
It is John Duthie’s memoir of life before and after a spinal cord injury in 2009 — covering disability, chronic pain, family, faith, institutional failures, resilience and humour. It is not a story about overcoming adversity; it is a story about living with it.
Can I read a sample before the book is released?
Yes — join the mailing list on this page and John will send you part of the opening chapter for free.
Who is the book for?
Anyone who has experienced helplessness, loss, physical challenges, or a faith tested by life — and anyone who loves an honest, human story told with humour.
How can I follow the journey to publication?
Join the mailing list on this page, or follow @WheelieJD on social media.
Don’t miss the release
Publication is coming in mid-2027. Join the list to read part of chapter one today.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy