Driving Forwards: A journey of resilience and empowerment after life-changing injury

by Sophie L. Morgan

'A book that'll change your perspective on life. You'll not be able to put it down.' Fearne Cotton

'Inspirational, eye-opening and deeply moving.' Mail on Sunday

'A searing read.' The Guardian

As seen on 'Living Wild; How to Change your Life' a two-part prime-time series on Channel 4, Loose Women and The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C

On the precipice of starting her adult life, aged eighteen, Sophie, a rebellious and incorrigible wild child, crashed her car and was instantly paralysed from the chest down. Rushed to hospital, everything she had dreamed for her life was instantly forgotten and her journey to rediscover herself and build a different life began. But being told she would never walk again would come to be the least of her concerns.

Over the next eighteen years, as she strived to come to terms with the change in her body, her relationships were put to the test; she has had to learn to cope with the many unexpected and unpredictable setbacks of living with paralysis; she has had to overcome her own and other people's perceptions of disability and explore the limits of her abilities, all whilst searching for love, acceptance, meaning, identity, and purpose.

Driving Forwards is a remarkable and powerful memoir, detailing Sophie's life-changing injury, her recovery, and her life since. Strikingly honest, her story is unusual and yet relatable, inspiring us to see how adversity can be channelled into opportunity and how ongoing resilience can ultimately lead to empowerment.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Eline Duk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the most inspiring books I’ve read in a long time. It’s so raw & honest. A book about shattered dreams, resilience, friendship, family, love, finding a new identity and raising your voice. Written with a proper sense of humour as well.

I’m 4 years in a wheelchair now and the resonance, even though I’m not paralysed, of the different phases she’s gone through is insane. Several times Sophie had me crying (of sadness or laughter!), showing passages of the book to my loved ones. She’s given me words for feelings and situations I wasn’t able to describe yet and that feels liberating.

A truly inspiring and incredible book. Also for able-bodied people (maybe even “especially” for able-bodied people)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and very moving book. I'm two years into being disabled and about to get a wheelchair for the first time and this book has helped a lot with being happy with that.

[Emma Lvns · Rating 3 out of 5]

The journey that Morgan goes on from internalised ableism to accepting the social model of disability truly resonated with me. However, I think this lacked a good editor to bring out, and make those bigger evaluations clear. Even though I think their upbeat style is incredibly admirable I found it a bit exhausting and, felt there was another story wanting to be told. I think you get a glimpse of this in the epilogue where she talks about the impact her disability has had on her relationships. The brief mentions of how difficult it is to date as a disabled woman and to maintain friendships are very affecting. Although I realise it might be that these topics are too brutal to write about, I would love to read a book by her which explores those areas too.

[Terry Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the good fortune of somehow being introduced to Sophie Morgan via Instagram. I grabbed this book out of curiosity. I loved it! As a daughter of a wheelchair using parent, I thought I understood a thing ot two about my father's world. I found this book enlightening, entertaining, engaging and truly inspiring. I learned perspective I didn't know I needed.

[jolovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've long admired Sophie's campaigning work and sense of adventure. I've also enjoyed some of the programmes she's made, especially Living Wild: How to Change Your Life.

I hadn't been aware of this book before coming across it at the library. I'm glad I did, as I couldn't put it down.

She writes openly and unselfconsciously, sharing deeply personal thoughts. What did she think about disabled people before the crash? How has the crash affected her physically? Sexually? Does she wish the crash had never happened? How have her family dealt with the crash? Whose fault was the crash? How has she got to where she is now? I love how she uses her sketches dotted throughout the book to express herself too.

There's a lot of experience and wisdom in the book.


"How could I be wild and trapped?"


"As the wounds on my face mended, it seemed everyone assumed I was mentally healing too. But internally, I was fractured, part of me pushing forward, the other part giving up."


"... with no hope for any change in my paralysis I had no choice than to grow mentally instead."


"Perhaps I could adapt to all the death in my body, as long as I could find a reason for living."


"I was realising that people who use wheelchairs are not wheelchair bound, not confined to their chairs; in fact, this couldn't be further from the truth. We are not bound to them, they are not attached, they are an extension of us and our wheelchairs don't confine us, they liberate us. They carry our bodies when our bodies are unable to carry themselves.
Without our wheelchairs, we wouldn't be able to participate in life."


"What it feels like to be paralysed
If you are able, place a hand palm down on a flat surface.
Fold your thumb and all of your fingers into your palm, but leave the ring finger extended.
Try to lift your ring finger."


"People often describe themselves as 'being paralysed by fear', and as a paraplegic, I would agree, there is nothing more paralysing than fear - other than paralysis itself, that is. But while one is real, fear, on the other hand, is imagined.
We are born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Anything else we are afraid of is learnt, and the most liberating thing about that fact is that almost all our other fears can be unlearnt."


"The disability might have paralysed some parts of her life, but without it, the other parts may never have evolved, developed or existed...
I understand that the very thing that can ruin a life can also make life meaningful and purposeful and make you into a version that you believe to be better."

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I've read lots of memoirs but this was amazing. Such a nuanced example of growing up and into disability and the wisdom that inevitably comes.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say I enjoyed this book, it was a brilliant read. But how can I say that when it’s a book about a women who became permanently paralysed from the chest down, following a car crash when she was 18 years old. I could indentify with with quite a lot in the book as a wheelchair user myself, Sophie’s thoughts and feelings, the obstacles she tackled, the things she’s had to learn, her journey as a disabled person. But my story is different as I was born with a disability and my life has always been the way it is and that has got to be in my opinion much easier. But what I can’t identify with was how Sophie owned what happened to her and turned her life around following the crash, to become the women she is today, the determination and drive, amazing, so i think I’ll just say she is a remarkable lady and as for the book it was an outstanding read. I think it’s a shame that fewer people will read this book than should because it would change people perception of people with disabilities and that really needs to happen.

[Lara Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible memoire of disability. How does a wild young person have the tenacity to live and adapt to a spinal injury. Honest and empowering the book explores how we and society can disable ourselves. Choosing to live after paralysis rather than being Paralysed by fear, the often untalked about aspects of love, sex, hopes dreams and personal care are honestly explored.

[Linda Tilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this autobiography by Sophie Morgan as I have followed her and her journey over the past few years. However, as well as finding lots of the latter parts of it interesting and informative regarding life after a major life-changing car accident, lots of the early parts of the book were less enjoyable.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, incredible, inspiring book. Sophie's resilience, honesty and vulnerability is so humbling and thought provoking. I loved it.

[Courtney]

Excellent memoir that pulls no punches and really explores her disability and how it effects every aspect of being a woman in todays culture

[Hollie Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I listened to the audiobook every opportunity I got and finished it in a few days. I found the chapters about her hospital stay after the accident really interesting, engaging, and admired her vulnerable. Bring a rebel is a strength, and I think that helped fuel her fight. The book had detailed and well written. Later in the book, for an interview, Sophie asks her friends their feelings about the crash and was shocked to hear they’d been upset and angry. I think afterward the accident she was just relieved they were ok and was dealing with her life changing injury. Some people would wake up and be wracked with concern and guilt, but I understand her response too, and she was only 18. I gasped when her tummy time extended to a year, and beyond that, I couldn’t imagine that, and I’ve been bed bound before. It shows the power of family, and how art can give us life. I didn’t know anything about the author before reading this, but I grew to really like her and loved hearing her detailed recounts of her adventures! I think if you have any bitterness toward the middle classes as a whole, this book might not be for you, but if you have a disability or a loved one who does, I’d really recommend this book.

[Bizzie Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone with a spinal cord injury, I could identify with Sophie Morgan's memoir. She doesn't hold back and is very honest about how dramatically her life changed when she was injured in a car accident when she was only 18 - and she was driving, so she had no one to blame but herself for the accident. It was just as well that she was a rebellious teenager because it is this kind of spirit that you need to overcome the obstacles that are in your way when you find yourself in a wheelchair. After her initial struggles with coming to terms with her new self, she changed her initial plans to become a lawyer and instead went back to university to study arts and then became a TV presenter. Some of the struggles with health issues are quite heart-wrenching and you wonder how she managed to cope, but luckily her mother was a nurse and devoted years of her time to taking care of her daughter. A great read if you want to know what it's really like to be paralysed from the chest down and confined to a wheelchair and how not to give up, and go on to lead an adventurous and interesting life. Uplifting, funny, heartbreaking and serious all rolled into one.

[wheeliereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this as I had seen Sophie present and her attitude to disability was the same as mine. I had expected there to be a big part where there was negativity around disability due to the fact that Sophie became disabled from a car crash. As I’m disabled from birth that’s not my experience but I completely understand that someone going through this would have a huge adjustment to cope with. However, , I found the tone of the book hugely positive, even in the immediate aftermath of her injury Sophie has a refreshing outlook on disability and her determination is a lot like my own. In the book Sophie does go through some really dark times but she pushes past these to live a full and interesting life. It’s even more amazing when you remember that Sophie was only 18 when she became paralysed. This book is positive, encouraging and just bloody brilliant. As a disabled reader I would love to see more books like this and to get the message across that disability doesn’t mean tragedy.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to my colleagues and ERG for creating a book club around this book. I could not put it down - I wanted to know what experiences Sophie would try next and how she would develop her new life around her new self. While her setbacks were heartbreaking, her grief, resilience, and tenacity were well articulated and palpable. Sophie find a way to return to the things she loved in new ways and also unlock new found loves in her career and advocacy. I enjoyed her descriptions of her supportive family, friends, and nursing staff - none of them would let her wallow in self-pity, but they also towed the line carefully of being there to support her audacious goals and not let their own fears stand in her way.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best insight into life before and after a severe disability (paraplegia) I have read. Also the determination and willpower she has is inspiring. I can't imagine being bed ridden for so long or having your world fall apart like that at such a transitional life stage (day you receive a levels). the self-awareness felt impressive and I really enjoyed the deeply reflective and pensive nature of Morgan's writing. To use her accident as such a positive force for good really is inspirational and humbling. The discrimination that is rife throughout the book massively highlights how society continues to struggle to completely accept or manage anyone who is not from a majority group. examples of humanity at its worst but also at its best.

[Zaylee Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Sophie for a while now and look up to her as a disability advocate. When I read this book, I went in wanting to learn about Sophie and how she overcame her injury, but through reading, I learned about myself and how I deal with my disability as well. There were many times when I was laughing or in tears. The book was so great and I would recommend it to anyone to help learn about the struggles and humanity behind a person with a disability, but to also learn about strength and reliance and how to become a better ally to the disabled community. After reading this I look up to Sophie so much more and I admire her for her work that has reached so many people.

[My Lolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a new wheelchair user and have been following Sophie on social media for a few months, and have been quite empowered by her authenticity. The book is incredible. Split into two parts but delicately woven revealing an incredible tapestry of her life and experiences. To some, her references may seem a bit ‘young’ but this happened to her at the prime of young adulthood.

I highly recommend to anyone, but especially if you find yourself facing a new crisis.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female wheelchair user myself, this was fabulous to read. It gave me representation as it was my first time reading about a wheelchair user. The author doesn’t skip any of the hard parts and really tells you how it feels being a wheelchair user and the journey to becoming comfortable with who you are. It’s a book I’ve recommended to my friends and family who aren’t wheelchair users too as I think everyone should read this book at least once.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes you feel

A book that makes you feel what Sophie felt, a book that makes you think that everything is possible and that it’s all about how we see it and what we do with the cards we are given. A book that reminds me that life can be horrible and beautiful all at the same time. And that way may break us can be what saves us too.
Thanks, Sophie of making me take my socks off to see my toes wiggle around ❤️

[Sjp · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The thing that can ruin your life can also make life meaningful and purposeful and make you into a version you believe to be better”

A biog of a disabled journalist who has climbed the ranks in the world of media to become an advocate for disabled rights and ableism

As if the paralysis is bad enough, she spend three years on bed rest waiting for an abscess to heal.

[Anne Melrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started to read this following watching Sophie doing a great programme ‘living Wild’ which I enjoyed immensely. Book was a great read documenting her journey so far and I thoroughly enjoyed it - looking forward to seeing what she gets up to next! It will also challenge your perspective on being disabled - ‘watch out world here she comes’ and hopefully watch out the airline industry!

[Amanda Fiorani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me a lot about what it's like to live with a disability. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and that's all we can hope for with a book. It had been a long time since I'd read a memoir, and I'm glad I was able to find one this good.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and beautifully written, Sophie shares her vulnerabilities, strength, and the formative moments of her life. Finishing it, readers will connect with Sophie's hard-won truths.

Congrats on changing policies and perceptions with your work, Sophie. Brava!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie’s story is both utterly heartbreaking and deeply inspiring, but the best part of this book is her phenomenal perception and approach to life. This is beautifully written and I would recommend everyone to read it. (Carpe de fucking diem!)

[Emily Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book after being captivated by Sophie’s speech at a conference, and I’m pleased to say she is just as talented a writer as she is a speaker. This is one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Morgan was 18 when she crashed her car and had a spinal cord injury.

The account follows Sophie for the next 18 years.

A fascinating read. She doesn't hold back on the nitty gritty of being paralysed.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read amazing person

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and funny

I love Sophie's positive mindset. Interesting that she was such a naughty teenager! An easy summer read - good value for 99p

[Sara Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing read, carpe the °°°° diem! Utterly beautiful human being who shares everything, absolutely everything in this book.