Swimming with Scapulars

"Swimming with Scapulars"

True Confessions of A Young Catholic

By Mathew Lickona

I was surprised to find this book in the local library. It falls into the genre of spiritual memoir. One of my favorite things about "Swimming with Scapulars," is the fun size of the hardcover edition. If I lay my hand on top, the height of the book measures from my wrist to the tip of my middle finger. (I do have long fingers...) The book is 278 pages long and the width is slightly less than the measure from thumb to pinky, with my fingers spread apart.

I am a sucker for spiritual memoirs and found it fascinating to learn about the Catholic tradition of scapulars. Once this mystery was revealed mid-way through the book I lost a bit of interest. It is some good writing, but is not always light reading due to the various tangents seemingly meant to educate on topics moreso than to convey story.

"But however manifold the form, however much I praised and repented
and contemplated, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was all one grand
request. "Do this, please. I'm not really seeking first the kingdom of God, but
couldn't you add this one thing unto me just to get me started?" Like a child, I
sometimes viewed the mere fact that I was praying as a spiritual bargaining
chip: "Look, I'm giving you the beginning of my day. I'm offering you these
prayers. Can't you do this for me in return?"

- from Lickona's "Swimming with Scapulars" p.114