Maximum Joy: A Novel

Nic Perugino always believed he was destined to become a real-life Santa Claus. The first time he donned a Santa suit and set out to deliver toys to needy children, he realizes that much more is needed than simply giving out a few gifts at Christmas. As a young man, he commits to becoming a modern-day Santa Claus who delivers food and medicine to the least fortunate. Nic begins to travel the world; he ministers to leper children in India, works with Mother Teresa, and delivers life-saving supplies to Africa. Along the way he meets the love of his life, Sara, who shares his unique mission. To support his service to the world, Nic is graced by dazzling visitations. These include appearances by the spirit of Saint Nicholas, who is Nic's hero-the original Santa. Along the way, St. Nick and a special corps of angels intervene many times to help Nic grasp the ongoing global crisis of inequality and poverty. They teach him all about the evolution of the universe and the love of the Creator, and explain the true purpose of sharing that love. They explain to Nic why a sustainable world requires that everyone practice the spirit of sharing-which, after all, was originally pioneered by Saint Nicholas and is now symbolized by Santa Claus.

Nic continues to pursue his ultimate goal of leading people everywhere to realize that we can transform the human condition through sharing our resources wisely. As Nic and Sara raise their family, they continue to spread the spirit of sharing, developing a global child relief agency. And yet, while it is true that Nic is the hero of Maximum Joy, he's also his own chief obstacle. Eventually Nic hits a wall as his family runs out of money. He doubts what suddenly seems like a crazy ambition to become Santa Claus, and begins to falter in his faith in the mission-until an unexpected supernatural gift turns it all around in a culmination that will thrill and inspire readers of every age.