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Just Because
The debut picture book by Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey
Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.
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 right answer to a question?
That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.
Filled with his trademark humor and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.
Why? Just because.
Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.
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 right answer to a question?
That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.
Filled with his trademark humor and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.
Why? Just because.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
94 people are currently reading
2317 people want to read
About the author
Matthew McConaughey
10 books30.2k followersAcademy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is a married man, a father of three children, and a loyal son and brother. He considers himself a storyteller by occupation, believes it's okay to have a beer on the way to the temple, feels better with a day's sweat on him, and is an aspiring orchestral conductor.
In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch.
In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
September 9, 2023
So fun meeting Matthew McConaughey this morning!! Great job on his new children’s book!!
October 23, 2023
Positive, inspiring and upbeat. Beautifully illustrated. A book to be shared.
September 16, 2023
The forced rhymes were painful.
December 4, 2023
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Yes, I picked this up because of who the author is. While I admire the goal of the book, to illustrate contradiction and possibility, I do not think young readers will get much out of it without the aid of an adult. The “just because…doesn’t mean” phrase is catchy but the words are heavily dependent on the dynamic, emotive, diverse-representation illustrations to convey their meaning. Even with the artwork, there were times I had to read a phrase a few times before I understood what was being communicated. For example, I am still not understanding what was meant by the page stating “Just because I mean it, doesn’t mean that I’m not lying.”
My favorite phrases were “Just because it’s silent, doesn’t mean that it’s not loud” (with an illustration of a painted rainbow on a wall) and “Just because I’m sitting still, doesn’t mean that I’m not busy.” (with an illustration of a child meditating).
I feel like the book needed a bit more: better communication between the author and illustrator, more words, or even another pass by the editor.
Yes, I picked this up because of who the author is. While I admire the goal of the book, to illustrate contradiction and possibility, I do not think young readers will get much out of it without the aid of an adult. The “just because…doesn’t mean” phrase is catchy but the words are heavily dependent on the dynamic, emotive, diverse-representation illustrations to convey their meaning. Even with the artwork, there were times I had to read a phrase a few times before I understood what was being communicated. For example, I am still not understanding what was meant by the page stating “Just because I mean it, doesn’t mean that I’m not lying.”
My favorite phrases were “Just because it’s silent, doesn’t mean that it’s not loud” (with an illustration of a painted rainbow on a wall) and “Just because I’m sitting still, doesn’t mean that I’m not busy.” (with an illustration of a child meditating).
I feel like the book needed a bit more: better communication between the author and illustrator, more words, or even another pass by the editor.
Read
October 24, 2023Just because a book is written by a big-time celebrity, doesn't mean it's a good book.
September 15, 2023
This book is pretty awful.
January 15, 2024
Love McConaughey's voice. The illustrations added nice meaning to the words that I wouldn't have myself envisioned.
"Just because I’m sitting still, doesn’t mean that I’m not busy."
"Just because I'm stubborn, doesn't mean that you can't turn me."
"Just because it felt right then, doesn't mean it won't feel wrong."
"Just because I keep winning, doesn't mean that I'm a cheater."
"Just because I’m sitting still, doesn’t mean that I’m not busy."
"Just because I'm stubborn, doesn't mean that you can't turn me."
"Just because it felt right then, doesn't mean it won't feel wrong."
"Just because I keep winning, doesn't mean that I'm a cheater."
September 12, 2023
Not nearly as entertaining as Greenlights but meant for a much younger generation. 🤣
For more about this book I listened to the Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books podcast from September 11, 2023 - the books publication day.
For more about this book I listened to the Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books podcast from September 11, 2023 - the books publication day.
September 16, 2023
Couldn't help but pick this one up. Loved the illustrations and thought the message was a good one to strike conversations up with the little readers in my life.
November 27, 2023
A snappy rhyming kids book that will entertain the kid in all of us. Lots of starting off places for meaningful chats about the many contradictions surrounding us. Cute illustrations add to the fun observations made. Overall, upbeat and kind.
October 15, 2023
⍋ 6/10 ⍋
Cute and fun
Cute and fun
August 26, 2024
So I picked this up cause someone had it at work and I just wanted to read a children's book by McConaughey, thinking it would be a cute way to spend lunch.
I was wrong.
I don't know how this book got published. It's written poetically, both in rhyme and also in style. And that's the problem. As an adult, I understood the nuances and depth of what was being said, but even then, some of the lines were a stretch. Was it a book about being forgiving? Or open-minded? I thought maybe that's what he was going for, but then some lines undid that idea.
It's not a good book for kids, UNLESS you are sitting with them, and asking them to unpack EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. Some kids I'm sure you'd have excellent conversations with, but for the majority of them, this would be tough.
And even more, for the children out there who are literal and/or neurodiverse, these poetic, meandering lines about things people do or don't do, is going to confuse the heck out of them.
The art is pretty, and visually aimed at the correct age of reader.
But.
I think that sometimes the imagery contributes to the confusing sentences. It either contradicts what is written, or seems to just send more mixed messages.
Also the last few lines, felt like the first genuine attempt at a kids book.
Tldr: this book is pretty and poetic, and not really for children unless you are looking to spend dedicated one on one time with them, to help them unpack the concepts behind each line.
I was wrong.
I don't know how this book got published. It's written poetically, both in rhyme and also in style. And that's the problem. As an adult, I understood the nuances and depth of what was being said, but even then, some of the lines were a stretch. Was it a book about being forgiving? Or open-minded? I thought maybe that's what he was going for, but then some lines undid that idea.
It's not a good book for kids, UNLESS you are sitting with them, and asking them to unpack EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. Some kids I'm sure you'd have excellent conversations with, but for the majority of them, this would be tough.
And even more, for the children out there who are literal and/or neurodiverse, these poetic, meandering lines about things people do or don't do, is going to confuse the heck out of them.
The art is pretty, and visually aimed at the correct age of reader.
But.
I think that sometimes the imagery contributes to the confusing sentences. It either contradicts what is written, or seems to just send more mixed messages.
Also the last few lines, felt like the first genuine attempt at a kids book.
Tldr: this book is pretty and poetic, and not really for children unless you are looking to spend dedicated one on one time with them, to help them unpack the concepts behind each line.
September 22, 2023
Excellent couplets and illustrations for life guidelines. Although the couplets are written in opposites, holding both sides true at the same time, it’s is perfect for discussion for children, teens, and even adults. Great therapeutic book for all ages when so many think in black and white. Must buy for the kids in your life or your therapy office!
September 27, 2023
Listen to it normal speed on audiobook because his voice. 💜
December 15, 2023
Alternates between making no sense at all and being heavy-handed. The illustrator did their best, but the text is fundamentally unsalvageable.
Read
December 16, 2023Read this at Costco while waiting on my parents.
November 25, 2023
Aranyos, nem feltétlen minden olyan (rossz vagy jó), mint amilyennek látszik. Nem tudom, mennyire marad meg, így, felsorolásszerűen, de nagyon helyesek az illusztrációk is, ha gyakran előkerül, segíthet a saját hozzáálláson alakítani.
November 14, 2023
Matthew McConaughey seems to have the ability to connect with, on some level, just about anyone, and I imagine him connecting well with kids.
In the author bio for his memoir, Greenlights, he calls himself an "armchair anthropologist, folk philosopher, and truth-seeking street poet."
These are things that might work in a children's book, and I think they did.
There's very much a truth-seeking street poet vibe going on here. The words make you think, they made me look for the truth in them. There's a fun, kind of rap cadence, definitely a rhythm to the rhyming, that you can apply to the beat of your own drum.
"Just because I'm going in circles,
doesn't mean that I'm dizzy.
Just because I'm sitting still,
doesn't mean that I'm not busy."
"Just because I'm in the race,
doesn't mean I'm fully ready.
Just because you're shaking,
doesn't mean that you're not steady."
Some of the "just because" statements might not make clear sense to kids, they might raise questions. I read that McConaughey says they're meant to be conversation starters. Ideas to talk about. It's for readers "big and small." Dedicated "To my kids, your kids, and the kid in all of us.. let's just keep learning."
I like that a lot.
I also like that in his author bio this time, Matthew is described as a storyteller, a tree house builder, and a pickle expert.
I can around 75 quarts of pickles each year, grown in my garden.
I'm curious what makes him a pickle expert, and if I might be one too. :)
*A few days after reading this, I keep coming up with my own "just because" stanzas throughout my day. Good contradictions are everywhere!
In the author bio for his memoir, Greenlights, he calls himself an "armchair anthropologist, folk philosopher, and truth-seeking street poet."
These are things that might work in a children's book, and I think they did.
There's very much a truth-seeking street poet vibe going on here. The words make you think, they made me look for the truth in them. There's a fun, kind of rap cadence, definitely a rhythm to the rhyming, that you can apply to the beat of your own drum.
"Just because I'm going in circles,
doesn't mean that I'm dizzy.
Just because I'm sitting still,
doesn't mean that I'm not busy."
"Just because I'm in the race,
doesn't mean I'm fully ready.
Just because you're shaking,
doesn't mean that you're not steady."
Some of the "just because" statements might not make clear sense to kids, they might raise questions. I read that McConaughey says they're meant to be conversation starters. Ideas to talk about. It's for readers "big and small." Dedicated "To my kids, your kids, and the kid in all of us.. let's just keep learning."
I like that a lot.
I also like that in his author bio this time, Matthew is described as a storyteller, a tree house builder, and a pickle expert.
I can around 75 quarts of pickles each year, grown in my garden.
I'm curious what makes him a pickle expert, and if I might be one too. :)
*A few days after reading this, I keep coming up with my own "just because" stanzas throughout my day. Good contradictions are everywhere!
January 25, 2025
Just Because is in the top tier of children’s books I’ve read, and it’s one that many adults can get something out of, too. We’re never too old to keep learning to break down binary thinking.
Getting the obvious out of the way first: Yes, it’s a big name behind the book, and it’s right in line with what you’d expect of the actor. But it doesn’t matter who wrote it; the message about how we’re full of multitudes and that contradictions can coexist in situations, people, and life is a big one—and this book comes out swinging full force.
It goes surprisingly deep. Kids could easily need the help of their adult reader in grasping some of the illustrations’ meanings or textual contradictions, but since it’s a life lesson book, adults are likely reading to the kid(s) anyway. It’s ok to stretch kids’ minds. It’s still within the scope of being developmentally appropriate.
The illustrations are beautiful and really well thought out. There’s good diversity of people and situations.
It would make a great gift for baby showers or from loved ones who want to impart meaningful life lessons to a kid in their life.
Getting the obvious out of the way first: Yes, it’s a big name behind the book, and it’s right in line with what you’d expect of the actor. But it doesn’t matter who wrote it; the message about how we’re full of multitudes and that contradictions can coexist in situations, people, and life is a big one—and this book comes out swinging full force.
It goes surprisingly deep. Kids could easily need the help of their adult reader in grasping some of the illustrations’ meanings or textual contradictions, but since it’s a life lesson book, adults are likely reading to the kid(s) anyway. It’s ok to stretch kids’ minds. It’s still within the scope of being developmentally appropriate.
The illustrations are beautiful and really well thought out. There’s good diversity of people and situations.
It would make a great gift for baby showers or from loved ones who want to impart meaningful life lessons to a kid in their life.
October 8, 2023
I heard about this children’s book on an adult podcast (Smartless) where the author was the guest and discussion of this book was a very surprising departure from the typical host-guest banter. I was intrigued.
I loved the message, kind of a modern day take on the belonging and identity messages I read in my childhood within Free to Be… You and Me. Like that book (and album) this book lends itself to a certain musicality in reading.
If you’re looking for the Oscar winning author in this illustrated book, you’ll find his charisma and some familiar themes as shared in his Greenlights. But it feels bigger than his star shadow and I’m pleased by how important it seems. This book transcends its author and I’m happy to share it.
I loved the message, kind of a modern day take on the belonging and identity messages I read in my childhood within Free to Be… You and Me. Like that book (and album) this book lends itself to a certain musicality in reading.
If you’re looking for the Oscar winning author in this illustrated book, you’ll find his charisma and some familiar themes as shared in his Greenlights. But it feels bigger than his star shadow and I’m pleased by how important it seems. This book transcends its author and I’m happy to share it.
October 5, 2023
Matthew is not my favorite actor, but I read an article about this book and it sounded intriguing.
TBH, I was pleasantly surprised by his first children's book! There were some flow and disjointed parts of the book, but the overall message of the book was very sweet, kind, and encouraging. The illustrations were also quite lovely.
For me, the takeaway was the world is not black and white, people are not defined by one moment of their life, and that people can change. Your life isn't defined by one moment in time.
"Just because I lied, it doesn't make me a liar" - very cute book!
TBH, I was pleasantly surprised by his first children's book! There were some flow and disjointed parts of the book, but the overall message of the book was very sweet, kind, and encouraging. The illustrations were also quite lovely.
For me, the takeaway was the world is not black and white, people are not defined by one moment of their life, and that people can change. Your life isn't defined by one moment in time.
"Just because I lied, it doesn't make me a liar" - very cute book!
October 5, 2023
Just Because by Matthew McConaughey is written for children as suggested by the illustrations. This book is to be read with adults as a perfect starter for meaningful conversations over each message. Each turn of the page could then be savoured otherwise it only takes a few minutes to complete.
Had it been another author, would the rating be so high? or would it had been just...all right, all right, all right?? Recommended.
Had it been another author, would the rating be so high? or would it had been just...all right, all right, all right?? Recommended.
September 21, 2023
Wow what a great book. If you have kids this book is worth it. It was well written. The illustrator
(Renee Kurilla )did a awesome job with the pictures. And as for the wonderful author who wrote this book
(Matthew McConaughey). The author is one of my favorite actor just have to say I really love this book. Can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author.
(Renee Kurilla )did a awesome job with the pictures. And as for the wonderful author who wrote this book
(Matthew McConaughey). The author is one of my favorite actor just have to say I really love this book. Can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author.
October 29, 2023
A beautiful & thoughtful book for all ages. I read it with my 10 & 8 year old sons & they said we need to buy it to have around “if we need advice about life”. It’s poetic & wise, with lovely illustrations. I’ll be gifting it to my nieces & reading this again soon with my sons. I’ve always been a big MM fan, now even more so. “Alright, alright” ;)
November 8, 2023
I thought this was a book that was really special. It is not a sweet storybook. Rather, it is a challenging book to explore life’s contradictions. The illustrations are amazing and very much necessary to convey some complex concepts. My favorite “just because” example? “Just because you wrote it doesn’t mean I read it!”🙃
October 24, 2023
I normally cringe at celebrities writing children’s books, but this one has a lovely pace and rhythm to it that allows for a lot of good discussions. For an extra bit of fun, look up Matthew’s appearance on the Tonight Show where he and Jimmy sing the words of the book as a song.
November 28, 2023
Excellent but simply stated and illustrated, which is well suited for children as well as parents and any age adult. I am 70 years old and have followed Matthew's career and his selfless community service, etc, to be simply amazing.
January 7, 2024
how is this a children’s book…
the illustrations i get but i don’t think K-8th graders would understand most of the wording in this even if someone older read it to them
it was cute tho
the illustrations i get but i don’t think K-8th graders would understand most of the wording in this even if someone older read it to them
it was cute tho
September 24, 2023
It was just... all right.
October 1, 2023
Love this book 📖 great for kiddo... Bought this for Emma she is just 18months...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews