Matthew McConaughey is an American actor and producer known for his work in film and television. Over the years, McConaughey gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his roles in various films. The Academy award–winning actor is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Greenlights. “
Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time?
Have you ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway?
Have you ever thought there was more than one correct answer?
That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.
Filled with his trademark humour and insight, Academy award–winning performer and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empower readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.
“More than teach me, it reminds me to embrace life’s contradictions rather than fight them.
Why? Just because.”
Illustrated by Renée Kurilla, Just Because offers life lessons about how the world’s contradictions can shape us and help us celebrate the person we’ll become. In an interview with NPR’s Morning Edition, the Academy Award-winning actor and author explained how he hopes the book sparks conversations between parents and kids and inspires grown-ups to let their inner child out. Just Because is McConaughey’s second book following his New York Times best-selling memoir, Greenlights, released in 2021.
I loved it; being an ex-teacher, I felt it would be a great reference book to reach out to when things get emotional. His text is full of couplets with a mature message. Just Because is all about the contradictions in life – like “just because I lied doesn’t mean that I’m a liar.” It’s about how this idea that our actions don’t necessarily define our character can spark great conversations from a young age.
Just Because is McConaughey’s second literary endeavour, following his bestselling memoir Greenlight. Matthew Elblonk at DeFiore and Company sold North American rights to Just Because; Jen Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator. The audiobook, which McConaughey narrates, will be released by Listening Library.
“In a way, “Just Because” feels like a manifesto. “To my kids, your kids and the kid in all of us. We’re all as young as we’re ever going to be, so just let’s keep learning.”
“Just Because” (Viking Books for Young Reader, 32 pp., $19.99) is written by McConaughey, illustrated by Renée Kurilla, and recommended for children 4-8. Its website describes it as “a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empower readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.”
“Just Because” is available on Amazon by clicking here. For more information, check out its official homepage.
To learn more about Matthew McConaughey, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.