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.

Denny Voss is a 30-year-old man who lives at home with his elderly mother and blind, deaf Saint Bernard in rural Minnesota. (The book cover is so perfect!) He lives a relatively quiet boring life cleaning up roadkill for a living. Even though he is limited by a developmental delay, Denny considers his life a good one. Until he is charged with the murder of a politician after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree. Wait, what?!

As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through events of the past year, his family history, painful truths and what led up to the murder. It is shocking, sometimes funny and makes you feel empathy toward Denny. Chaos seems to find him when he just tries to mind his own business.

Even though the author Holly Kennedy did an excellent job penning a realistic story with elements of humor and care, the story was not as memorable once I finished reading. It did not leave a lasting impression; therefore, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss was just okay. Worth adding to your TBR if you're looking for an unconventional murder mystery.

Happy Early Pub Day, Holly Kennedy! The Sideways Life of Denny Voss will be available Tuesday, April 8.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

A beautiful story that touched me deeply. Highly recommend to all. Many people can learn from Denny and little Theo.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denny Voss is one of the most endearing characters I have ever met in a book. He is a 30-year-old man who happens to be developmentally delayed. He is kind, he is interested in the world around him, he is smart in his own way but also has an innocence about him. He has a deaf and blind St Bernard that he rescued, sleeps with him every night.

Circumstances lead him into all sorts of problematic situations. The worst of these situations is being charged with the murder of the town's mayoral candidate. And, there are viable reasons that he could suspect. The reader learns about his escapades through flashbacks throughout the story. They are always told in his own voice, with lots and lots of side details. Denny is also a bit of a philosopher. He has life and the people around him figured out, quite accurately.

Besides Denny, there is so much to love about this story. The characters in town are quirky. Most are kind, but some are mean to Denny. Realistic presentation. The two main secondary characters are his mother, Nana-Jo and his cousin, Angus. Nana-Jo brought Denny up to be a confident young man. And, Angus (though he is odd) looks out for Denny in the day-to-day world outside of home.

There are lots of surprises as the tale unfolds. Some parts are actually laugh-out-loud funny. Other parts might have brought a tear to my eye.

This book brings me a whole new appreciation of the song, You've Got a Friend in Me, from Toy Story. It’s Denny’s comfort song.

This is one of my favourite quotes from Denny. Dare I call it a “Denny-ism”?

“I also know it hurts when someone you love dies, but I think it’s supposed to because if it didn’t they’d be easy to forget and who wants to forget all the louds and quiets about someone you love after they’re gone? Not me.”

I don't usually do this in a review but I want to thank Ms Kennedy, the author, for the hard work and thought process she put into the creation of Denny’s character. The effort was definitely worth it. And, I appreciate the bits and pieces she pulled from her own life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

ALL THE STARS for the "Sideways Life of Denny Voss"!!! After seeing some other great reviews, I postponed another book to read this title right away, and I am so very glad that I did! What a fresh and unique voice and POV we get in this first person tale about developmentally challenged Denny and his life and family & friends. This story is all told as Denny is awaiting trial for murder and is recounted to his court-ordered shrink & attorney and does take a while to get to the point, just like Denny, who really loves his Nana-jo & dog George. I teared up more than once reading it. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend and I really hope it does well!! MY sincere thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy - my very absolute pleasure to read and review it

The dog dies. Yes, some may consider that a spoiler, but it is more of a trigger warning. The book is not using the dog as the main character, therefore, I did not expect the dog to die. I avoid books where the dog dies, which seems to be something they love to do in children's books. Just don't ask how hard I cried after I read "The Rough Patch." And if I was that distraught after a dog died in a short picture book, you can just imagine my pain at the loss of a deaf and blind St. Bernard. Keep in mind that I also have TWO 7 year old Great Danes. I was sobbing, and blubbering. The dogs were bewildered (and not at all supportive), the cat was enjoying licking my tears, and my husband had to video call me from upstairs to make sure I was okay. This wrecked me. Please prepare yourself but don't try to not get attached to George, because he is a PERFECT boy and deserves our love.

Denny Voss has developmental delays. He lives with his elderly mother, and their blind and deaf St. Bernard, George. His cousin and co-worker, Angus lives on the other side of the duplex. Denny is a good guy and tries to do the right thing, like the time, he kidnapped his neighbor's goose, Tom Hanks, and illegally crossed into Canada to reunite him with his love. So when he crashes his sled into a tree filled with guns and bullets, Denny is trying to do the right thing. Little does he know that one of those guns was used in a murder. The story unfolds with Denny telling his therapist and lawyer all about his sideways life.

There are times where this is difficult to read because some people take advantage of Denny. I almost gave up at the part with the rug salesman because I hated seeing him get taken advantage of! However, this is a charming book that is really enjoyable aside from the horrible part that I complained about for a solid paragraph.

All in all, I did love the book, and it had 5 star potential. Perhaps publish it with a trigger warning for dog lovers? If I had known that was coming I would have given it 5 stars!

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars
One Liner: This was good!

Denny Voss lives in rural Minnesota with his mother, Nana-Jo, and his blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. As someone with developmental issues, he makes a living clearing roadkill with his cousin, Agnes.
However, Denny is arrested on the charge of murdering the local mayoral candidate. As he awaits his trial, Dr. Herald, the therapist, tries to find out more about Denny’s life. Talking about his past brings out many secrets. Denny seems to have some tough decisions to make for his future!
The story comes in Denny’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
I was debating on this one when I saw Shelley’s review and decided to grab a copy. Thanks for that! Note that the writing style may not be for everyone.
This is a heavier read though it has many lovely moments and random things that’ll make you smile or chuckle. Still, the themes are pretty intense.
The chapter heads act as little pointers about what’s to come. I wouldn’t call them spoilers as such but you can avoid them if you are too particular about things.
Though the book is from Denny’s POV, we can see how stressful it can be for his mother and cousin to deal with him at times. His mother, especially deserves a lot of appreciation for trying to balance protecting him and making him self-reliant as much as possible.
While I could empathize with Denny’s situation each time he got arrested, I could also see it from the other side. When you deal with criminals and twisted minds, it becomes hard to differentiate, that too without knowing any background information. It’s a catch-22 situation. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t! That said, a few of them could learn to be more sensible.
The side characters are interesting. They are mixed – some good, some not-so-good, and some bad. Not everyone understands or likes Denny and not everyone dislikes him. So, we get a pretty realistic picture of his life in the village.
I don’t want to say much but two events in the last quarter didn’t appeal to me. Even though one of them happened in real life, it didn’t have to be the same in fiction. After all, fiction is a way to change reality, albeit fictionally (check TW for more)! I don’t believe in ‘family is family’, so the other one didn’t work either.
There’s repetition and things can go around in circles since Denny likes to take time but you’ll get used to it after the initial 20% or so. However, if you don’t, the book may not appeal to you as much. Quite a bit hinges on the writing style even though the characters are well-crafted.
Lastly, don’t skip the author’s note. It is very detailed (just how I like them) and the author talks about various elements she used in the book.
To summarize, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is a poignant novel about what it means to be a person with developmental issues and how one’s community plays a role in making or breaking things.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.