The narrative of this book was really interesting. I thought the plot never lagged and you were unravelling the mystery alongside the characters. It was a medium-paced book that lagged occasionally but would have a good twist to revive it.

The characters were hard to be engaged with at all time but they weren't unbelievable which I think was extremely important to the narrative. I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics for the book.

Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC

I enjoyed this considerably more than I expected to. I loved the unique style of writing and the story and characters were interesting. I did think it became just a tad slow and repetitive a couple times but otherwise I thought it was great and I really enjoyed reading it!

Denny Voss is a mentally challenged young man who lives with his grandmother, who has always been like a mother to him. He’s content in his life in rural Minnesota, and tries to always be helpful as Nana Jo has taught him. But when he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, in his words “that’s where my life went sideways.” And it doesn’t help that this is his 3rd arrest. This book has all the emotions in just the right ways - told from Denny’s POV, you will find yourself rooting for him throughout the book. I absolutely loved this book - fans of Molly the Maid by Nina Prose will enjoy this too, as Denny reminds me of Molly.

The author zoomed with my book club about this book, and it was fascinating to hear the backstory of her inspiration. The book is written with such care and respect for those who may be mentally challenged, but are never “less than” as a person. One of my top reads for this year!

A neurodivergent man finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, and as he sets out to prove his innocence, he uncovers surprising truths about his family, his past, and the world around him. What begins as a quest for justice becomes a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection. This is a sweet and poignant read—tender, thought-provoking, and filled with heart. You'll be captivated by its unforgettable cast of characters and left hoping for more time in their world.

Love this book. A great telling of a challenged individual making his way through a murder charge by telling the truth of his life and how things actually occurred. Denny is heart warming and loving and honest and inspiring. This story has unexpected revelations and twists that make it Rick and layered and you’ll be rooting for a good ending. The notes from the author at the end explain the source of many features of the story and ties it a lot to her own life. A great great story had me tearing up frequently.

What a fabulous book! Compelling. Heartfelt. Realistic. This story had all the feels. Having worked with differently able people as a social worker, I really appreciated Holly Kennedy's representation of Denny Voss as well his family, friends and foes. Thanks so much #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is a bit odd, in that it the story is compelling and provides the right amount of mystery; however, as a person on the Spectrum, I am not sure how I feel about Holly Kennedy's use of voice. There is a bit of an I Am Sam feel to the work that just gets a bit under my skin. I am not one to generally personalize, but sometimes it just happens.

I really enjoyed this book and found the main character to be extremely well written. He is neurodivergent and has an IQ of 72 which makes it hard for him to understand the world around him. I liked the writing style and how different and fresh this book felt. There was so much great humor in this book, yet also so much that made it endearing. I want to read more from this author in the future. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley. This was a gem.

✨Book Review ✨

I have never quite read a book like this in my life, one that will stay with you for a long time and one that makes you question everything you thought you knew. 
 
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss was exactly that  from being accused of crimes he didn’t commit, to being taken advantage of by those who are supposed to love and care for him. 
 
Denny is very misunderstood and often may find himself in a bit of trouble by those that would  convince him to participate in situations that are not always legal or safe. Being developmentally disabled Denny doesn’t often understand the whole context of the situation and will believe what his friends and especially his cousin says is correct. 
 
Through all of these misunderstanding though one things shines through about all else. Denny Voss is the heart and soul of his family and of the town I have never experienced in a book before someone whose heart and soul just oozes off of the page no matter the circumstance he is in. 

Please do yourself a huge favour and pick up this one I promise you won’t regret it, this truly is a story that I think everyone should read once in their life its jam packed with heart, soul and often times humour, but there is still something about about that brings a tear to your eye, but you will just have to read it and see for yourself the magic that The Sideways Life of Denny Voss creates. 


Title: The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
Author: Holly Kennedy
Release Date: 2025
Rating: 5⭐️

You know that achey, hollow feeling you get from crying too hard? That's me after reading this book.

Denny Voss is a 29 (almost 30) year old developmentally delayed man that lives in Minnesota with his Nanny-Jo, his blind and deaf dog George, and next door to his cousin/best friend/coworker Angus.

Denny has been arrested three times for kidnapping (goosenapping?), bank robbery, and murder. Each story of how those events unfolded are told by Denny while he's incarcerated for murdering his Nanny-Jo's former boss, who is running for mayor and is an incredible jerk.

I love Denny. I love the innocence and goodness that just naturally pours from him. I love the people who love Denny and try to protect him and teach him how to exist in a world of people who are not always nice.

I think I cried the entire last 50 pages or more. This seems like a simple book, but there is nothing simple about Denny (whose number is 72) or the storyline that explains how he has gotten himself involved in quite a bit of messes.

This was absolutely beautiful. Denny is now one of my very favorite characters in the world. I can't see how anyone could read this and not fall completely in love with this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy.

What a heartwarming, compelling story - Denny Voss is loveable and manages to get himself into multiple unexpected situations. A quirky cast of characters who look out for each other (including children, dogs, neighbors, and crazy cousins). While the story is built around a mystery, it is much more than that. Can't wait to buy a copy of this book as a gift for several people. I hope the author tells more stories about this crew.

What a beautiful and tender-hearted book! This was exactly what I needed in my life right now. It was the perfect antidote to stress.

I think readers will love seeing the world through Denny’s eyes. It really made me think about how important it is to show compassion to everyone because we don’t often know the backstory. Denny’s disability is invisible and people often assume the worst because they don’t see that he is neurodivergent.

This has a great plot, too! I was dying to know who the mystery killer was!

I definitely recommend this feel-good read.

Denny was an interesting character and he wormed his way into my heart. This was definitely a feel-good page turner. Denny sees everything in black and white and takes everything and everybody at face value. This is a wonderful book. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary digital ARC. This review is my own opinion.

A very endearing and touching read. Nice quirky cast of characters. Small town feel. Denny is a charming main character despite his flaws. Found the plot a little predictable but still enjoyable.

Oh my gosh I loved this book so much!!!

Giving it all the stars!!!! Def top favorite of mine this year so far!!!

5/5 stars

4.25 🌟 rounded down

Denny Voss has always lived a quiet, content life despite the challenges of a developmental delay. After being charged with murder following a bizarre accident, Denny must confront a year filled with missteps and long-hidden family secrets. With help, he begins the difficult work of reclaiming his future.

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is one of those unassuming books that I overlooked a bunch of times while browsing through options for a galley to read. I kept seeing it mentioned elsewhere though and decided to give it a shot (no pun intended). I'm really glad I did. I loved George, Denny's blind and deaf rescued St. Bernard. I really enjoyed Denny's love of/references to Schitt's Creek throughout the book. Denny's complex relationships with friends, family members, and neighbors made him a well-rounded, realistic character. It was a quick read because the writing made me want to find out what would happen with Denny.

Recommended for lovers of feel-good fiction with complex characters.

Thank you NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.

I loved this book! It was wonderful to have first person insight into a coming of age, developmentally delayed character. It was so fun and informative getting to know Denny! Much of his story will stay with me and as a special educator, inform how I work with my students each day. I enjoyed the mystery as well :) Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book hit every emotion I have and I have to share it.....it's too good not to let everyone know. Every town I have ever lived in....and it's been many, my husband is retired military.....had a Denny Vos. The character in this book is perfectly portrayed, you'd know him if you met him. His character fills a hole in the neighborhood that proves the kind of people everyone wants to be. The fact that his goodness brings him to places he'd better off not going is just a part of who he is. Holly Kennedy has developed his charcter so well, I know him.
This book is a treat to readers. It's meant to be read, reviewed, shared and talked about. Denny Vos has joined that list of unforgetable characters that includes so many of Fredrik Bachman's books. If you loved Ove or Eleanor Oliphant, you'll love Denny Vos.

This was such a touching/moving story. Denny has come into a difficult situation that he needs to find his way out of. Thankfully he has amazing people in his corner to help him thru the trying time. I feel as though my favorite character in this book was George, I have such a soft spot for dogs in books! I would highly recommend this heartwarming story.

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.