I HIGHLY recommend this book. For the duration of this book, you’ll have the privilege of experiencing life from the perspective of a neurodivergent person and I guarantee that by the last page, you’ll have a different understanding and outlook of neurodivergence. You may even be able to better recognize it in your surroundings and be a better ally to neurodivergent people (and the people who love and care for them).

In this story, you meet Denny, a 30-year-old neurodivergent man with developmental delays. As Denny’s mother Nana-Jo gets older, she encourages Denny to become more independence and, in these efforts, Denny makes (what society considers) errors in judgement that result in a murder accusation. Through discussions with his therapist and lawyer, you get to delve into Denny’s mind and see several of Denny’s key life moments from his perspective.

I found that placing the story in a legal context was an EXCELLENT way to juxtapose the different perspectives. Denny’s literal interpretation of matters clashes with societal expectations and assumptions. And the treatment of Denny in various contexts highlights the deep misunderstanding that still exists about neurodivergence today. A few passages broke my heart but overall, I found this story to be heartwarming. Denny is surrounded by people who love him for who he truly is (even if that love is manifested in different ways by different people). I also loved trying to solve the mystery of the murder. The story brings all these elements together wonderfully. The author’s note at the end also brings it back to real life.

Grab this book, don’t hesitate!

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's no surprise that a murder case is never the way it seems in a book. The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy is no different. Denny, a neurodivergent man with an IQ of 72, is charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate when he is found after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree. Can he prove to the police why this happened?

My Thoughts On The Sideways Life of Denny Voss:

This story was a sweet but slow-moving burn for me. I enjoyed the characters that are in Denny's life. Of course, the dog, George, a deaf and blind Saint Bernard, won my heart over. But it was Denny's cousin, Argus, that was my favorite. He was always so loving toward Denny, even when he had to be tough with him. I also love a funny t-shirt, so I enjoyed that each time Argus showed up in the story, he was wearing a different funny shirt.

Neurodivergent people hold a special place in my heart, so maybe this is why this story was a little difficult for me to read. Denny was leading a good life, and yet, he was misunderstood, and that was frustrating to me. I saw so many of my past students in Denny. It just made me want to hug him.

This book has high ratings from so many readers, so I hope that you will still give it a try. I am definitely the oddball with my rating. It repeated a little too much for me, and I wanted to hurry the story along. I do love the cover, though. It was a perfect choice for this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Kennedy, and Lake Union Publishing for my free copy. This is my honest review.

Memorable, sincere, and humorous!

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is an intimate, thought-provoking novel that immerses you into the life of Denny Voss, a thirty-year-old man with intellectual difficulties who, through his genuine, innocent desire to always do the right thing, triggers an unravelling of family secrets when he ends up in jail after he’s found in possession of a murder weapon.

The prose is evocative and sincere. The characters are multi-layered, unique, and vulnerable. And the plot is a touching tale of life, love, friendship, desires, needs, dreams, goals, community, complex relationships, family drama, and secrets.

Overall, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is a beautiful mix of hope, heart, and healing that is not only a lovely, funny, tender novel by Kennedy but one which I don’t think anyone could possibly read and not be completely absorbed and exceptionally moved.

This was one of the most amazing reads of the year so far for me!

I loved Denny's unique voice and way to tell stories. As someone with a neurodivergent child, I was so touched by how plainly he spoke and how detailed he told stories, and my heart broke with how he was sometimes treated by others and the hardships he endured. He is truly too good for this world.

This story has me laughing and gasping and crying all within minutes of one another - in the best ways possible.

Thank you Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Holly Kennedy for an eARC of this story.

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy is an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed from end-to-end. I'm grateful that I had the chance to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Denny Voss is a 29 year old man with a development disability who is navigating the very demanding and serious situation of being accused of murder and being incarcerated. I thought that the perspective of a developmentally challenged adult was beautifully written and handled with tact and empathy. You are on a very long journey with him through the entire tale of how he got to the position he is in. In descriptions of this book, it's often referred to as a funny novel. I found it to be laugh inducing on occassion, there are definitely funny moments, but found the overall story and concept to be much deeper and rife with the injustice of the situation that Denny is in. The entertaining pieces are some of the misunderstandings and experiences Denny has and some of the minute details that he is able to recall and articulate (i.e . every graphic tee his cousin wears). The deeper themes are how the family rallies around and protects Denny, how he handles emotional experiences and how he develops skills to be independent and manage his emotions more readily. Again, I thought that these deeper themes were fantastically written. Hopefully readers take away from the book that developmentally disabled people can be emotionally intelligent, observant, incredibly loving and loyal and deserve all of the same treatment and humanity that abled people receive. I would recommend this book to others without a doubt and I will plan to read it again in the future as well.

Original and quirky - "The Sideways Life Of Denny Voss" is a story unlike any I've read before. With unique characters and an exciting plot, this was a fun and refreshing reading experience for me. I really enjoyed Denny's way of seeing the world and his original thoughts and statements. This was a heartwarming feel-good story (despite the messy situation Denny is in). Denny is surrounded by so much love and support - it was touching to read. Highly recommended!

The Sideways Life Of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy, Denny lives in Minnesota with his nanny Joe, in a duplex next-door to cousin Angus who he also works with. The day we meet Denny he is going down penguin Hill on his sled he named “greased lightning“ with all the guns he owns wrapped in plastic. unfortunately right before leaving his home he called the police department and said I am coming down there with eight guns and some bullets. Denny was arrested for resisting arrest and unbeknownst to him he will soon be charged with murder. it seems nanny Joe’s previous employer who fired her was found dead. The problem is so serious that even angry moody self obsessed Lydia even comes back from New York to see about her much younger brother Denny. The story is told through Denny’s viewpoint and although Denny is Neuro divergent and on the spectrum, which one would think would become annoying instead what we get is a well developed character who is not only entertaining and thoughtful but someone you’ll definitely want to root for in the end. this was a very entertaining and satisfying feel good read and I just loved it. There were a few times during the trial that I thought his lawyer Miss Klein could’ve asked better questions but that wasn’t the point nor the focus of the story just a micro irritation to someone very anal… I guess? all in all this was an absolutely wonderful story that I definitely recommend. If you love reading a book and being left with the heart warming happy feeling then you will definitely love this book.#NetGalley, #LakeUnionPublishing, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #HollyKennedy, #TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss,

I really loved this book! The author does such a good job of melding the serious situation Denny finds himself in with the humor that is Denny. Denny is a guy that has been challenged mentally his whole life because of an oxygen shortage at birth. He is now an adult and has been accused of murder. The whole book is told from his point of view, with his unique way of saying things and his perspective on life.

His lawyer and a psychiatrist are trying to get Denny to tell them what happened the night of the murder. Denny's way of telling it would try the patience of saints. There are so many stories to be told by Denny on the way to actually telling what happened that night. Stories about his mother, his uncle, his sister, his dog, his job, his favorite TV shows...everything except what happened the night of the murder.

This really was a pleasure to read. I'd love to try the audio version, too!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the e-book copy. All thoughts are my own.

Denny Voss, living a quiet life in rural Minnesota, finds himself unexpectedly charged with murder after a series of well-meaning but chaotic misadventures. As he awaits trial, he unravels painful family secrets and learns what it means to take control of his future.

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is the first book I’ve read by Holly Kennedy. This gave me strong Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and The Maid vibes. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I devoured it. I ended up finishing it in a single day and absolutely loved it! Andrew Eiden did a fantastic job narrating. He truly brought the story to life! Holly Kennedy did an exceptional job capturing Denny’s perspective. I felt so much empathy for him. I loved how certain characters showed their love for him in quiet but powerful ways. I also really enjoyed the multiple subplots and how well-developed each of the supporting characters were. I didn’t anticipate any of the twists and I had no idea how the story would turn out which made the reading experience even more engaging. There was one chapter near the end that made me cry which is something that rarely happens when I read so be prepared with tissues and maybe give your fur baby an extra cuddle. Overall, this was a 5-star read for me and I highly recommend it!

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is one of those rare novels that manages to be laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreakingly tender, and deeply insightful—all at once. Holly Kennedy has created a story that sneaks up on you with its emotional depth, led by a protagonist you won’t soon forget.

At the heart of the novel is Denny Voss, a 30-year-old man living a simple life in rural Minnesota with his elderly mother and George, his blind and deaf Saint Bernard. Denny’s developmental delay, caused by an accident at birth, means he views the world differently than most; but that’s also what makes his voice so unique and compelling. He’s content with his life, even if it’s unconventional: cleaning up roadkill, having minor run-ins with the law (like kidnapping a goose or inadvertently assisting a bank robbery), and trying his best to do right in a world that doesn’t always understand him.

The real drama unfolds when Denny is charged with the murder of a local mayoral candidate, after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree. What follows is a beautifully told journey through the past year of Denny’s life, guided by his court-appointed therapist, as he begins to piece together how he ended up in this mess. Along the way, Denny and the reader uncover not just the truth about the murder, but also deep family secrets, betrayals, and moments of redemption.

What makes this novel truly shine is Denny himself. He’s a character full of contradictions; innocent yet wise, confused yet clear-headed. Watching him navigate a world that often misjudges or underestimates him is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The writing captures Denny’s perspective with incredible empathy and humor, and by the end, you feel like you've taken this emotional, chaotic, and ultimately beautiful ride right alongside him.

Personally, this book gave me just about every emotion possible. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I felt immense joy. Kennedy’s storytelling is masterful, her characters are rich and memorable, and the plot is both wildly entertaining and surprisingly profound. The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is a reminder that even those who seem limited by the world’s standards can lead extraordinary lives full of love, purpose, and unexpected heroism.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Advance Review Copy
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy

I absolutely adored this book. This heartwarming and humorous novel is written from the perspective of Denny Voss, a 30-year-old developmentally delayed and neurodivergent individual.

Denny's voice is authentic, relatable, and endearing, making it easy to become fully invested in his life. The writing is clever, delicate, and realistic, tackling tough topics with sensitivity and care.

The characters in this novel are well-developed and lovable, adding depth and warmth to the story. The narrative is engaging, funny, and poignant, making for a truly enjoyable reading experience.

I laughed out loud numerous times while reading this book, which is a credit to the author's skill at crafting humorous moments that are both authentic and respectful.

What struck me most about this book was its ability to transport me into Denny's world. The immersive storytelling made me feel like I was experiencing life through Denny's eyes.

Overall, this a sweet, loveable, and thought-provoking novel that will capture your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5/5

This book felt very sincere and comforting, and the character of Denny came across the page very clearly and was very endearing. This book felt very conversational as we got to know Denny, and it was an enjoyable experience.

I do feel that it didn't grip me as much as I was hoping for, but I enjoyed the writing and how well we got to know this character and the events in his life.

I absolutely LOVED The Sideways Life of Denny Voss. I haven’t loved a main character like I did with Denny in so long. This novel was funny, captivating, surprising, and endearing. I truly didn’t want this book to end and will be one of my favorite books of the year.

The summary of this book made me instantly want to read it. This book lived up to that summary and then totally exceeded my expectations. Denny Voss is facing murder charges and is neurodiverse. However, Denny is not one to feel sorry for. Denny means well but things haven’t worked out smoothly for Denny lately. The backstory of Denny’s situations unfolds throughout the entire book and is told in a way that kept me reading to find out more. This book is filled with equally likeable characters that all play into Denny’s life, and there are plenty of secrets amongst the characters. What a wild story it was while being believable and heartfelt.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Holly Kennedy, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is the best book I've read so far this year and will be one I recommend over and over. It reminds me of Robert Dugoni's "The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell" in some ways: a heartwarming story about a genuinely good person who struggles because society defines him by his limitations rather than his abilities and character. Thirty-year-old Denny Voss has an IQ of 72, which categorizes him as intellectually disabled, but he knows that he is more than what this number says about him, and he is (mostly) happy with his life. He still lives with his elderly mother and works part-time with his cousin. Denny's heart of gold is obvious; he adopted a blind and deaf St. Bernard to save it from being euthanized, and befriends and helps a young boy with Tourette syndrome. After his mother tells him that she won't always be around to help him, Denny realizes he needs to start dealing with his own problems, but he is neurodivergent and doesn't always have the best judgement, so the plans he comes up with aren't always the best. As a result, Denny ends up accused of killing someone. As Denny recounts everything that led up to his arrest, in his own way, the reader gets to understand the essence of Denny Voss. The story is a mystery, but so much more! It is heartwarming, funny, and poignant, with richly developed characters that had me emotionally involved (and trying to not cry while reading in public) and twists and turns of plot that kept me entertained, engrossed, and engaged.

Denny: such a kind, sweet guy in a major pickle😍

I could not put Denny Voss's story aside. He's such an honest, innocent, loving character who suffers from severe bouts of anxiety and finds himself accused of shooting a local when he's so about turning away from violence and the senseless killings he sees on the news. This story, so sympathetically written, is filled with relatives and friends Denny's kindness has accumulated, and Denny's goodness shines through. Very uplifting and out of the main stream, as the whole story is told from Denny's point of view and Denny has an IQ of 72, his brain having been oxygen-deprived due to a difficult birth.

Denny is constantly explaining what words mean, as he has had them explained to him from Google searches or by his nearest and dearest, and his explanation of events leading up to his arrest seem slow to reach the point. Some might find this TMI, but it so fits in with his condition and how he views the world that I just embraced it and stayed along for the ride. I laughed with the misunderstandings related to his dealings with Tom Hanks (the injured Canadian goose) and sorrowed with his loss of George. And was disappointed and dumbstruck along with him when family secrets ooze out. I found it a truly memorable tale.

I am so glad that the cover and blurb intrigued me enough to choose this story by a Canadian author unknown to me. Holly Kennedy did a lovely job on this moving story and her Author's Note at the end was just as touching.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on 4/3/25 on Goodreads and Bookbub, and with Barnes & Noble and BAM.

Denny Voss is neurodiverse, with an IQ of 72 due to complications from his premature birth. Raised by loving Nana-Jo, he has grown into a kind and thoughtful man despite his challenges. However, at thirty, Denny finds himself in jail, accused of murder.

His cousin Argus, who lives in the duplex across from him, is a steadfast source of support—always responding to Denny with kindness, patience, and humor. While Denny is fortunate to be surrounded by love, the antagonists in the story—particularly Tesky, the victim, and Lydia—paint a stark contrast, bringing out the more frustrating and heartbreaking aspects of his journey.

This book delivers a deeply emotional and gut-wrenching story. The author does an incredible job of capturing Denny’s unique perspective, immersing the reader in his world with all its struggles and small victories. While the repetitive nature of his thoughts may be frustrating at times, it serves to emphasize his reality and make his experiences feel even more authentic.

The supporting characters are exceptionally well-developed, especially Argus and Nana-Jo, whose unwavering love and loyalty provide the emotional core of the novel. On the other side, the antagonists—particularly Tesky and Lydia—add layers of tension and frustration, making the conflict all the more compelling.

While the story is often heavy, moments of humor help balance the weight of the narrative, and the twists keep the reader engaged until the very end.

A powerful, emotional, and unforgettable read that explores love, support, and resilience in the face of adversity. Though parts of the story may be frustrating or difficult, its heartwarming moments and unexpected twists make it a worthwhile and deeply moving experience. Highly recommended.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy

Not as light as you might expect but it's poignant and special. Denny is different. He loves his Nana and his blind dog George. And now he's been charged with murder and this is the story of how we got to that place. It's unexpected and thoughtful. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.