Among the many slapstick and antic-filled films Jim Carrey has starred in, he’s recently appeared in more children’s-oriented films like A Series of Unfortunate Events and Mr. Popper’s Penguins, both film adaptations of beloved children’s books. So it’s not really a surprise that Carrey has now penned a children’s book of his own, How Roland Rolls.
What is surprising is Carrey’s decision to self-publish the title about an ocean wave who’s afraid to crash on the shore, fearing that he will die if he does. The title will be distributed on Carrey’s behalf by Perseus Books Group’s distribution division.
Jim Carrey is certainly known for doing things his own way and not necessarily taking the popular path, as he has done in the past with his crusade against preservative laden over-vaccination and his current fame as a Twitter ranter against both access to guns and violence in movies; a recent series of tweets targeted a film he actually appeared in, Kick Ass 2, which he now says he cannot endorse with a clear conscience due to its level violence in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings and many other similar events.
But what is coming as a surprise about Carrey’s self-published book is that the publicity around the title is no longer about the publishing avenue he chose. In the past, any high profile writer who opted for self-publishing would have made headlines for the decision and quite possibly been made to answer for what prompted the decision. The lack of concern over his option may be one of the most telling indicators that the publishing industry is finally experiencing the shift that we were long promised when digital publishing first took hold.
How Roland Rolls is due out on September 24th, and will be simultaneously produced as an enhanced ebook. More information on the title can be found at HowRolandRolls.com.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.