I read about 20 books a year. This year, my good friend Josh Rosenthal released his first book titled “An Oak Tree Late in Winter: Ten Vignettes and a Triptych.”

Josh is also a very talented musician and songwriter. He has seven albums on iTunes. You need to get ALL of them.

In 2009, Rosenthal released phase one of what he calls the “Villages Suite” by putting out four albums in four months. His new book is phase two. With the book, Rosenthal speaks outside of his typical outlets using the art of narrative to show God’s ability to redeem even the most seemingly irredeemable memories. The book really is the icing on the cake, wrapping up the entire Villages Suite in a fresh, creative and sweet new kinda way.

If you’ve ever seen him in concert, you know that the stories he tells before his songs often impact the concert goers just as much – if not more – than the actual songs. If you’ve not seen him in concert, he’ll be playing at Revolution Church on August 29th during all worship services.

I love the format of the book. An Oak Tree Late in Winter takes 11 of Rosenthal’s songs and expands on those stories. Rosenthal says:

“I stepped back for a season of my life to focus on these narratives because I believe there’s a great redemptive power in them. As much as I believe in the songs I write, I, believe in these stories.”

And right there is my favorite part of this book. Its not just about the book…its about the concept, the passion, the songs, the concerts and the excellence with which all of these elements have been executed. The last couple of years of Rosenthal’s life have culminated in this one masterful piece of art.

GET THE BOOK HERE NOW. Heck, get two or three.

Here is a link to the table of contents which includes a spot to listen to the songs that the chapters of the book are named after.

Here’s the promo video: