The Impressionist by Tim Clinton and Max Davis

Adam has just had an argument with his wife and she has threatened to leave him. That's after she told him their teen-aged son was back on drugs. Needing some space to think, he heads to a nearby park. An old man approaches him, asking to paint his portrait. That experience changes his life.

The authors have woven a tale of spiritual transformation using Adam's encounter with the painter, Jim Ed. Jim Ed encourages Adam to share his life. Jim Ed gives wisdom from God while painting, also sharing his own story of being a black man in a time of violent prejudice.

We readers glean lessons from the painting session. Jim Ed decides it must be a watercolor. “Watercolor dribbles and makes splotches. It's not neat and clean...” (30) Just like Adam's life. Jim Ed is an impressionist so the result of his work is much more than a portrait. His aim is to capture the person's soul and the possibilities it presents.

Jim Ed helps Adam understand how he can become the man God designed him to be. It's simple but it's not easy, Jim Ed says. “First, you have to know your identity and then live your life in desperate dependence on Him.” (94)

There are some good lessons for Christians in this book. For example, Jim Ed reminds us that life has many defining moments, places where we have to make life determining choices.

I was disappointed in the resolution of some of Adam's problems. I'll not reveal how it happens but it seemed to me to be the same unlikely scenario as the cavalry suddenly coming out of nowhere to rescue those overwhelmed by the enemy. I know the book is sort of in the magical realism genre (Jim Ed knows things about Adam without being told), but the end was just a little too convenient for me. I would have rather had a realistic, hard fought victory concluding the book.

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Tim Clinton is the President of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is Professor of Counseling and Pastoral Care, and Executive Director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University. Licensed as both a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist, he now spends the majority of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He has authored twenty books. He has been married to his wife for 31 years and they have two children. Find out more at www.TimClinton.com.

Max Davis holds degrees in journalism and Biblical Studies. He is the author of over twenty books and has done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. He and his wife live in Greenwell Springs, LA. Find out more at www.MaxDavisBooks.com.

Destiny Image, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.