Definitely Not Famous

By Arnie Stewart and Janet Lee

Always Ask for Help is the true story of Arnie Stewart, told with Janet Lee. What sets it apart is that Arnie speaks in his own words—unpolished, colloquial, and honest. The book keeps his voice intact, so it feels like a conversation.

Arnie began adulthood unable to read or write. As someone who relies on literacy every day, I hadn’t fully grasped how text saturates life until I read this book. Grocery lists, forms, job applications, street signs—what I consider simple becomes obstacles. Arnie’s workarounds reveal a sharp, adaptive mind, challenging the link people make between literacy and intelligence.

Janet Lee’s role adds warmth and purpose. We see how they met and how their friendship became advocacy—visiting schools and urging students to do the bravest simple thing: ask for help. The “Arnie card” keeps that message clear and memorable.

This is a feel-good story, but not because it avoids hardship. It’s uplifting because it treats vulnerability as a source of strength and community as a source of change. The heart of the book is simple: none of us gets through life alone, and asking for help is not failure—it’s a skill. Arnie’s journey shows what becomes possible when shame loosens its grip and support steps in.