Each Lent I try to choose one book to read as preparation for Easter. When I was at the library right after Ash Wednesday, "He Chose the Nails" just caught my eye as I browsed the aisles. It was clearly a gift because it is the best Lenten book I've read. Max has a gift of finding God in the most ordinary items, and nothing about Jesus's last days was ordinary. While most times we focus on the cross when we think of Good Friday, Max diverted our attention to other items from that day: the soldiers' spit, the nails, the crown of thorns, the sign, the robe, the linens used to wrap His body, the two thieves beside Him. Those items have always been part of the story, but I've never considered each item, standing alone, as a gift from God. As Max isolated each item and interpreted its meaning through God's promises, I felt an even stronger sense of God's love for us and for me personally. While I didn't agree with everything Max said, his books help me regain a sense of peace when I need it. I highly recommend this book. I know I'll read it again next Lent. ( )