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I Fight, You Fight: Life isn't about the hand you're dealt, but how you choose to play it
The inspiring story from 2025 NSW Young Australian of the Year Nominee, Alex Noble, whose wisdom and strength can teach us all how to live life to the fullest, no matter what it throws at us.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Noble was a high school rugby star with a promising sporting career ahead of him when an on-field injury left him fighting for his life in the ICU. Following a four-day coma and a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia, Alex’s first words to his brother Zac were, ‘If I fight, you fight.’ These words became a war cry as Alex’s friends, family and community rallied around him, watching in awe as he fought to regain control over his body and defy his diagnosis.
From learning to breathe and move again to travelling the world, starting his own business, and even going skydiving, Alex’s story is about the power of mastering your own mind, finding happiness and taking risks to achieve your goals – no matter how out of reach they may seem. Full of warmth, humour and insight, this is an audiobook that will teach you principles to live your life by, written by a young man who has put them into practice.
I Fight, You Fight is so much more than an inspiring memoir – it’s a philosophy for finding happiness and reaching your true potential.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Noble was a high school rugby star with a promising sporting career ahead of him when an on-field injury left him fighting for his life in the ICU. Following a four-day coma and a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia, Alex’s first words to his brother Zac were, ‘If I fight, you fight.’ These words became a war cry as Alex’s friends, family and community rallied around him, watching in awe as he fought to regain control over his body and defy his diagnosis.
From learning to breathe and move again to travelling the world, starting his own business, and even going skydiving, Alex’s story is about the power of mastering your own mind, finding happiness and taking risks to achieve your goals – no matter how out of reach they may seem. Full of warmth, humour and insight, this is an audiobook that will teach you principles to live your life by, written by a young man who has put them into practice.
I Fight, You Fight is so much more than an inspiring memoir – it’s a philosophy for finding happiness and reaching your true potential.
- GenresAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published June 4, 2024
24 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Alex Noble
11 books5 followersAlex Noble was a sixteen-year-old rugby star with a promising sporting career ahead of him when an on-field accident landed him in a four-day coma in the ICU. Diagnosed with C4 quadriplegia, Alex was not expected to have any movement from the chest down.
Defying the odds, Alex’s mental strength and resilience have seen him make incredible gains – from standing with minimal assistance to walking with the aid of an exoskeleton.
At twenty-one, he now has a successful public speaking career, and between intensive weekly training regimes and university classes, he also works in a law firm, travels the world and runs his own boat charter business. Alex’s achievements, perspective and message have inspired thousands to strive for their own goals and become happier.
Defying the odds, Alex’s mental strength and resilience have seen him make incredible gains – from standing with minimal assistance to walking with the aid of an exoskeleton.
At twenty-one, he now has a successful public speaking career, and between intensive weekly training regimes and university classes, he also works in a law firm, travels the world and runs his own boat charter business. Alex’s achievements, perspective and message have inspired thousands to strive for their own goals and become happier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 14, 2024
I FIGHT, YOU FIGHT. By Alex Noble
WOW, JUST WOW!!!!. What can I say …whenever you are feeling sorry for yourself, my advice is to pick up a copy of this remarkable book!
When doing what I love best, spending time in my local bookshop, I came across a book that caught my eye- ‘I fight, you fight’ and I knew it’s a book I needed to listen to rather than read. I wanted to hear for myself what this inspirational young man had to say for himself.
Let me begin by introducing you to Alex Noble, a young teen who had it all. I’ll start off with good looks, loving family, beautiful friends, extremely talented sportsman and loving life in every way, as a young kid should.
Sixteen-year-old Alex was a high school rugby star with a promising sporting career ahead of him when an on-field injury left him fighting for his life in the ICU. Following a four-day coma and a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia, Alex's first words to his brother Zac were, 'If I fight, you fight! And so Alex’s story begins and what a journey it is …
I could spend my days quoting the wise words of this magnificent human but let me rather just share a few of his thoughts.
‘Life’s not easy. Life’s not fair. It never was, it isn’t now and it never will be. Get over it and get on
with it.’
‘In the field of life, I plan to give it my all.’
‘Accept what you can’t control, focus on what you can and continuously strive forward.’
Alex does it all. Nothing stands in the way of this deserving Ryde Young Citizen of the Year. With the help of his beautiful family, loyal friends and an incredible medical team and carers, Alex is able to live a life that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief. From learning to breath, talk and eat again, to finishing school with one of the highest scores in the state of New South Wales, to travelling overseas, swimming in the ocean, skydiving, obtaining a commerce/law degree and his list of achievements just keep on growing.
Alex goes onto inspire others with his brave talks, teaching us all how to live life each and every day.
Alex does it his way, the Noble way!
I know I will be listening to this book again. It’s a book I will from now on be gifting to my friends.
Alex, anytime you want a seat at my dinner table, we will be waiting for you with open arms. You are, without doubt, one of Australia’s most inspiring young leaders.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW, JUST WOW!!!!. What can I say …whenever you are feeling sorry for yourself, my advice is to pick up a copy of this remarkable book!
When doing what I love best, spending time in my local bookshop, I came across a book that caught my eye- ‘I fight, you fight’ and I knew it’s a book I needed to listen to rather than read. I wanted to hear for myself what this inspirational young man had to say for himself.
Let me begin by introducing you to Alex Noble, a young teen who had it all. I’ll start off with good looks, loving family, beautiful friends, extremely talented sportsman and loving life in every way, as a young kid should.
Sixteen-year-old Alex was a high school rugby star with a promising sporting career ahead of him when an on-field injury left him fighting for his life in the ICU. Following a four-day coma and a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia, Alex's first words to his brother Zac were, 'If I fight, you fight! And so Alex’s story begins and what a journey it is …
I could spend my days quoting the wise words of this magnificent human but let me rather just share a few of his thoughts.
‘Life’s not easy. Life’s not fair. It never was, it isn’t now and it never will be. Get over it and get on
with it.’
‘In the field of life, I plan to give it my all.’
‘Accept what you can’t control, focus on what you can and continuously strive forward.’
Alex does it all. Nothing stands in the way of this deserving Ryde Young Citizen of the Year. With the help of his beautiful family, loyal friends and an incredible medical team and carers, Alex is able to live a life that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief. From learning to breath, talk and eat again, to finishing school with one of the highest scores in the state of New South Wales, to travelling overseas, swimming in the ocean, skydiving, obtaining a commerce/law degree and his list of achievements just keep on growing.
Alex goes onto inspire others with his brave talks, teaching us all how to live life each and every day.
Alex does it his way, the Noble way!
I know I will be listening to this book again. It’s a book I will from now on be gifting to my friends.
Alex, anytime you want a seat at my dinner table, we will be waiting for you with open arms. You are, without doubt, one of Australia’s most inspiring young leaders.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 5, 2024
This was a great read, highly recommend. Really inspirational- I think he has an important message for all of us.
June 6, 2024
Alex is an inspirational young man who became a quadriplegic as a result of a rugby tackle. Alex was 16 at the time and now at age 21 Alex has a wisdom beyond his years and has an unequivocally positive outlook on life.
July 7, 2024
Excellent and important. Moving.
July 17, 2024
"I Fight, You Fight: Life Isn't About the Hand You're Dealt, But How You Choose to Play It" by Alex Noble is a true story, memoir about then 16 year old Alex Noble's recovery after a terrible accident on the rugby field. He fell, and his neck was broken, and he ended up with C3 paraplegia. He couldn't even breathe on his own at first and couldn't move at all. He had great support, and he worked very hard for every little bit of his recovery.
It is an inspiring book. Alex eventually is able to sit up and stand up and eat on his own. He went tandem skydiving and surfing. He started his own business and went into finance and law. He went into university to study law.
Here are some of the things he wants us to know:
Be grateful. You can do this by comparing yourself to someone who has less or recalling when you had less. Going through cancer treatment was very challenging, and I compare all my health issues to that.
"How to live a fulfilled life:
1. Accept what you can't control.
2. Embrace discomfort and vulnerability
3. Keep striving."
Say yes, because what if...
"What if it helps one person. What if you are supposed to. What if it was on God's to-do list for you."
"Discipline is doing what you should be doing, not necessarily what you want to be doing." So you can't just exercise once in a while when you feel like it. You have to do it regularly to get the benefits.
"The Noble Way is a four stage method to approach life, to grow as a person, to find happiness and fulfill goals:
1. Master your mind.
2. Pursue peace.
3. Become resilient.
4. Grow and achieve."
The audiobook is narrated by Alex Noble himself. There are also chapters by his Mom, Dad, a brother, and a friend or two, all in their own voices. They have Australian accents, which was tricky at first, but I got used to it after a bit.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a boost of inspiration and wisdom.
Thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Audio, Australia, and Alex Noble for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
It is an inspiring book. Alex eventually is able to sit up and stand up and eat on his own. He went tandem skydiving and surfing. He started his own business and went into finance and law. He went into university to study law.
Here are some of the things he wants us to know:
Be grateful. You can do this by comparing yourself to someone who has less or recalling when you had less. Going through cancer treatment was very challenging, and I compare all my health issues to that.
"How to live a fulfilled life:
1. Accept what you can't control.
2. Embrace discomfort and vulnerability
3. Keep striving."
Say yes, because what if...
"What if it helps one person. What if you are supposed to. What if it was on God's to-do list for you."
"Discipline is doing what you should be doing, not necessarily what you want to be doing." So you can't just exercise once in a while when you feel like it. You have to do it regularly to get the benefits.
"The Noble Way is a four stage method to approach life, to grow as a person, to find happiness and fulfill goals:
1. Master your mind.
2. Pursue peace.
3. Become resilient.
4. Grow and achieve."
The audiobook is narrated by Alex Noble himself. There are also chapters by his Mom, Dad, a brother, and a friend or two, all in their own voices. They have Australian accents, which was tricky at first, but I got used to it after a bit.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a boost of inspiration and wisdom.
Thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Audio, Australia, and Alex Noble for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2024
A humbling read and massive dose of perspective.
July 14, 2024
Of the 300 or so books I figure I have read in my life, this is the best one I have ever read. I listened to it in one day. I am a serial self-improvement genre reader, and I have heard many of the principles in this book before but never like this, never from someone who has every reason not to follow these principles.
I cried several times while reading this book - tears of joy, sadness and pride – of him. Alex has the wisdom of an old man who has already lived his full life to the absolute fullest. The work he has put in and what he has achieved is astounding.
This is the first book I have ever listened to all of the acknowledgments for. Alex is truly grateful, and it shows. It sounds like he has had an infectious, charismatic personality all of his life and only continues to attract those around him.
Whether you are perfectly healthy, struggling with a temporary or chronic illness, a quadriplegic, or something in between, you can benefit from listening to Alex’s story, and I guarantee it will help you learn to be so much more appreciative of what you have.
I recommend listening to the audiobook. Alex narrates it himself and his voice and tone give breadth to the range of emotions in this book. Additionally, his family members have some chapters they narrate as well, and it’s interesting to hear their perspectives in their voices.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the ARC!
I cried several times while reading this book - tears of joy, sadness and pride – of him. Alex has the wisdom of an old man who has already lived his full life to the absolute fullest. The work he has put in and what he has achieved is astounding.
This is the first book I have ever listened to all of the acknowledgments for. Alex is truly grateful, and it shows. It sounds like he has had an infectious, charismatic personality all of his life and only continues to attract those around him.
Whether you are perfectly healthy, struggling with a temporary or chronic illness, a quadriplegic, or something in between, you can benefit from listening to Alex’s story, and I guarantee it will help you learn to be so much more appreciative of what you have.
I recommend listening to the audiobook. Alex narrates it himself and his voice and tone give breadth to the range of emotions in this book. Additionally, his family members have some chapters they narrate as well, and it’s interesting to hear their perspectives in their voices.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the ARC!
January 27, 2025
Thank you Alex for sharing your story. You are amazing along with your lovely family and wonderful group of friends that supports you on your journey.
I work for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and think this book should be part of our mandatory training when we get onboarded. Gives an overview of all the challenges that you face when you have a SCI and how you worked through them to live the best life that you can live.
I work for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and think this book should be part of our mandatory training when we get onboarded. Gives an overview of all the challenges that you face when you have a SCI and how you worked through them to live the best life that you can live.
July 22, 2024
I Fight,You Fight by Alex Noble
Memoir: A
Inspiration: A
Writing/Narration: A
Best Aspect: I enjoyed the parts told by his family and friends.
Worst Aspect: Not always easy to listen to the horror of a young person’s life changing so dramatically.
Recommend: Yes.
Memoir: A
Inspiration: A
Writing/Narration: A
Best Aspect: I enjoyed the parts told by his family and friends.
Worst Aspect: Not always easy to listen to the horror of a young person’s life changing so dramatically.
Recommend: Yes.
October 20, 2024
A very inspiring story from an awesome young man
July 9, 2024
When I think about this story, I am amazed at how young Alex Noble is and yet how much wisdom and self-awareness he puts forth in his writing. Maybe when tragedy strikes, in this case a rugby accident, you have to grow up fast and figure out what really matters at warp speed to be able to cope, but from reading his own words, I suspect that Alex had at least some of that wisdom all along just waiting to come out.
Reading Alex's story was at times heartbreaking, often touching, occasionally funny, and all-together inspiring. I ran the gambit of emotions as the book unfolded, but in the end, the overwhelming sense I had was that this young man, through what has undoubtedly been huge adversity, has found his purpose, and people are going to sit up and take notice and listen to what he has to say.
I very much enjoyed the first half of this book. Alex takes reader through the accident and his recovery process from the hospital to rehab and, finally, back home. His words are interspersed with chapters from the point of view of his family members and friends, and I found these chapters especially interesting. Alex and the others do a great job of describing and demonstrating through actions the qualities that he spends the latter part of this book discussing. I actually think that, without this set-up, the second half of the book would not have the impact that it does. The beginning chapters give us a look at Alex's experiences so that when he speaks in the remainder of the book, there is no doubt that he knows what he's talking about. While I did appreciate the second portion of the book where Alex lays out the principles he has identified for living a fulfilled and purposeful life, I wouldn't have been as inclined to listen without having traveled the beginning chapters first. I can't say that I agree with every single piece of advice given in this book, but I definitely do think there are plenty of golden nuggets to be found here, and I applaud Alex's ambition and attitude of desire to share what has worked for him with the rest of us. I think many readers will be greatly impacted by, not only this book, but it's author as well.
Thanks to Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Reading Alex's story was at times heartbreaking, often touching, occasionally funny, and all-together inspiring. I ran the gambit of emotions as the book unfolded, but in the end, the overwhelming sense I had was that this young man, through what has undoubtedly been huge adversity, has found his purpose, and people are going to sit up and take notice and listen to what he has to say.
I very much enjoyed the first half of this book. Alex takes reader through the accident and his recovery process from the hospital to rehab and, finally, back home. His words are interspersed with chapters from the point of view of his family members and friends, and I found these chapters especially interesting. Alex and the others do a great job of describing and demonstrating through actions the qualities that he spends the latter part of this book discussing. I actually think that, without this set-up, the second half of the book would not have the impact that it does. The beginning chapters give us a look at Alex's experiences so that when he speaks in the remainder of the book, there is no doubt that he knows what he's talking about. While I did appreciate the second portion of the book where Alex lays out the principles he has identified for living a fulfilled and purposeful life, I wouldn't have been as inclined to listen without having traveled the beginning chapters first. I can't say that I agree with every single piece of advice given in this book, but I definitely do think there are plenty of golden nuggets to be found here, and I applaud Alex's ambition and attitude of desire to share what has worked for him with the rest of us. I think many readers will be greatly impacted by, not only this book, but it's author as well.
Thanks to Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2025
Alex's story of how his life dramatically changed from a C4/5 Spinal Cord Injury and how he has changed his life for the better.
Becoming a quadriplegic at the age of 16 is horrific to even think about let alone go through, yet Alex adapted, accepted, and accelerated through life since his terrifying accident back in 2018.
This determination and ways he has made small but significant changes to his attitude and way of life is amazing for someone of such a young age.
This comes at a time when a fellow school mum is going through a very similar situation, and I initially read this book before giving her a copy. I wanted to make sure it would be something that could help her rather then just make her upset, and while I think it will hit close to home, im hoping Alex's inspiring story helps both her, her son and the family come together and achieve great things in life.
Thank you, Alex, for sharing your amazing story, your friends, and your family. I do really wish you all the best for whatever goals and dreams you shoot for.
Becoming a quadriplegic at the age of 16 is horrific to even think about let alone go through, yet Alex adapted, accepted, and accelerated through life since his terrifying accident back in 2018.
This determination and ways he has made small but significant changes to his attitude and way of life is amazing for someone of such a young age.
This comes at a time when a fellow school mum is going through a very similar situation, and I initially read this book before giving her a copy. I wanted to make sure it would be something that could help her rather then just make her upset, and while I think it will hit close to home, im hoping Alex's inspiring story helps both her, her son and the family come together and achieve great things in life.
Thank you, Alex, for sharing your amazing story, your friends, and your family. I do really wish you all the best for whatever goals and dreams you shoot for.
July 24, 2024
I Fight, You Fight by Alex Noble
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sad but empowering story of Alex who became a quadriplegic when he was only 16.
The scares and struggles he faced but also the support and persistance that got him through.
Quite a lot that he said made me really think too and some things really sticking in my mind. Such as being grateful but saying « I get to …. » rather than « i have to…. ». We all complain sometimes but changing this simple mindset has already helped me.
Another point he makes is something I hear a lot too « you are so motivated » and reality its not only motivation but discipline. I train/run/work hard not because I always want to but because it will make me better for the future. This applies to anything you do - diet, work, exercise, not laying in. Discipline.
Praise yourself for the small wins, look at the bigger picture and take a minute realise how lucky you are ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A sad but empowering story of Alex who became a quadriplegic when he was only 16.
The scares and struggles he faced but also the support and persistance that got him through.
Quite a lot that he said made me really think too and some things really sticking in my mind. Such as being grateful but saying « I get to …. » rather than « i have to…. ». We all complain sometimes but changing this simple mindset has already helped me.
Another point he makes is something I hear a lot too « you are so motivated » and reality its not only motivation but discipline. I train/run/work hard not because I always want to but because it will make me better for the future. This applies to anything you do - diet, work, exercise, not laying in. Discipline.
Praise yourself for the small wins, look at the bigger picture and take a minute realise how lucky you are ❤️
June 14, 2024
Without a doubt, the best book I have read in ages. I cannot begin to imagine all that Alex has been through nor comprehend how he manages to get through each day with the guts and tenacity that he does. He comes across in this book as a decent kid, dealt a cruel hand, yet through it all, with the help and support of the team he has around him, he has overcome so much and now shares his amazing insight into life and how to handle it. I have learned from this young man that nothing is impossible if you are in the right headspace. I will definitely be using the "what if?" approach from now on.. Thank you Alex, may your light continue to shine and inspire others to continue to fight.
July 11, 2024
To be honest I was mostly interested in this book because we have the same (uncommon) last name. This is a book about a tragedy and how this young man deals with what life has sent his way. He's a very positive individual. I listened to this audiobook and kept thinking, :he's so positive!" no one is that positive all the time. But listening to the chapter by friends and loved ones, it is clear, Alex really is that Positive. Gave me food for thought! :)
I loved listening to the Australian accents. I thought the book was well paced. All in all a decent positive read. Thanks NetGalley for the copy.
All opinions are my own .
I loved listening to the Australian accents. I thought the book was well paced. All in all a decent positive read. Thanks NetGalley for the copy.
All opinions are my own .
November 6, 2024
16 year old Alex Noble was a high school rugby player with a promising future when his life was changed forever, after an on field injury. His friends and family rallied behind him as he defied all odds. An absolute incredible story, that reminds us all to be grateful and live life to the fullest.
This is an amazing, inspiring story. His attitude despite the challenges he faced is mindblowing. A great reminder of how important daily gratitude is, and how powerful our mind can be. Highly recommend.
This is an amazing, inspiring story. His attitude despite the challenges he faced is mindblowing. A great reminder of how important daily gratitude is, and how powerful our mind can be. Highly recommend.
July 14, 2024
Due to mutual friends we heard of Alex’s injury from the beginning. From the distant sidelines we had regular updates and then started following Alex’s journey through instagram. Later my husband and I have had the enormous pleasure of meeting Alex’s parents through mutual friends. They are remarkable people, it is not difficult to see where Alex gets his strength and grit from.
Alex’s extraordinary bravery and sheer determination are evident. His journey is heartfelt and truly inspiring.
Alex’s extraordinary bravery and sheer determination are evident. His journey is heartfelt and truly inspiring.
September 1, 2024
We all deal with huge life changes differently, but I love Alex's outlook on life and how he chose positivity when he was faced with his new reality. I love how supportive his family and friends are with Alex's goals.
I also loved that Alex and his friends and family all helped narrate this book. It was wonderful listening to each of them tell a chapter of Alex's story.
I also loved that Alex and his friends and family all helped narrate this book. It was wonderful listening to each of them tell a chapter of Alex's story.
October 18, 2024
This book is a refreshing insight into resilience and courage. Alex Noble’s knowledge, and understanding of happiness is beyond words can describe - it’s incredibly moving. To say this book saved my life is probably an understatement. I’m actually a bit lost for words as to how amazing it really was. Quite frankly the best memoir/self help books I’ve ever read.
April 15, 2025
It would be impossible not to admire a person who has this degree of motivation to face such a challenging circumstance. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book. I initially felt the age of the author would be of concern, however, the writing style and expression was very much that of an adult and an exceptional one at that.
July 22, 2024
At age 16, Alex was injured in a rugby tackle and ended up a quadriplegic as a result. Now at age 21, Alex reflects on life before the incident, and explores how lucky he is and has a renewed look on life.
Read by Suzie
Read by Suzie
September 2, 2024
Rating: g no sex, profanity. Sports accident caused permanent injury.
Recommend: jh and up, inspirational, motivational memoir.
Alex noble is working hard to overcome huge obstacles, he has wise words especially for sports kids,
But for anyone who has goals and is meeting obstacles.
Recommend: jh and up, inspirational, motivational memoir.
Alex noble is working hard to overcome huge obstacles, he has wise words especially for sports kids,
But for anyone who has goals and is meeting obstacles.
October 8, 2024
What an amazing young fellow. You are an amazing person. What an inspiration you are. All of us could get inspiration from you. A must read for me. Wishing you ongoing health, friendship & success into a long future.
5 stars 🌟 for me.
5 stars 🌟 for me.
December 1, 2024
What an inspirational book! I totally recommend this as a must read. It is quick and easy, yet packs a powerful message about living your best life despite what it throws at you. Definitely pulls at the heart strings at times. At others, a guide to fulfilling your dreams the Noble way.
June 6, 2024
What a inspiring story anyone from any age can get something from this book . I laughed and cried
June 10, 2024
An inspiring book by an inspiring young man. Alex suffered a catastrophic injury playing rugby aged 16. What he has achieved in the 5 years since is nothing short of extraordinary.
June 23, 2024
An incredible young man
July 10, 2024
What a terrific attitude Alex has! An inspiring read.
December 15, 2024
A beautifully written, inspiring, eye-opening story from an incredibly resilient human being. This book was one of those books that changed me.
Amazing work Alex. Thank you for sharing your story!
Amazing work Alex. Thank you for sharing your story!
January 3, 2025
This book hit very close to home for me as I work in the industry, as well as having a disability myself. Highly recommend the audiobook for this one, very compelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews