A Reflective Journey is a true story of resilience, trauma, and purpose from Boston Marathon bombing survivor Michael Chase. Standing fifteen feet from the second explosion on Boylston Street, Michael’s life shifted in an instant. In the days, months, and years that followed, he fought to rebuild not only his physical and emotional health, but also his sense of identity, meaning, and direction.

This memoir weaves together the moments that shaped him long before the marathon. Childhood challenges, family, mentorship, and years working with students in crisis all set the stage for the aftermath of that life-changing day. It is a story about fear, healing, and the quiet strength we discover when the world forces us to slow down, reflect, and rise.

A Reflective Journey is more than a recounting of trauma. It is an honest and deeply human exploration of what it means to survive, to struggle, and to stand again with clarity and purpose.

Whether you have followed Michael’s story for years or are discovering it for the first time, this book offers an intimate look at the moments that shaped a life and the power of choosing to move forward.