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The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
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In this poignant and funny novel, a man who is defined by his limitations sets out to fight a murder charge—and discovers unexpected truths about himself, his family, and the world at large.
On the surface, Denny Voss’s life in rural Minnesota is a quiet one. At thirty years old, he lives at home with his elderly mother and his beloved blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. He cleans up roadkill to help pay the bills. Though his prospects are limited by a developmental delay—the result of an accident at birth—Denny has always felt that he has “a good life.”
So how did he wind up being charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate—after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree?
As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through the events of the past year. Denny’s had other scuffles with the law, the first for kidnapping a neighbor’s cantankerous goose. And then there was the time he accidentally assisted in a bank robbery. It seems like whenever Denny tries to do the right thing, chaos ensues.
Untangling the events around the murder reveals even more painful truths about his family’s past. He’s always been surrounded by people who love him, but now it’s up to Denny to set his life on a new course.
In this poignant and funny novel, a man who is defined by his limitations sets out to fight a murder charge—and discovers unexpected truths about himself, his family, and the world at large.
On the surface, Denny Voss’s life in rural Minnesota is a quiet one. At thirty years old, he lives at home with his elderly mother and his beloved blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. He cleans up roadkill to help pay the bills. Though his prospects are limited by a developmental delay—the result of an accident at birth—Denny has always felt that he has “a good life.”
So how did he wind up being charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate—after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree?
As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through the events of the past year. Denny’s had other scuffles with the law, the first for kidnapping a neighbor’s cantankerous goose. And then there was the time he accidentally assisted in a bank robbery. It seems like whenever Denny tries to do the right thing, chaos ensues.
Untangling the events around the murder reveals even more painful truths about his family’s past. He’s always been surrounded by people who love him, but now it’s up to Denny to set his life on a new course.
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First published April 8, 2025
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About the author
Holly Kennedy
8 books143 followersUnder "recent updates" below I've listed some of my favorite books and gave them each 5 bright stars because I admired them so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 977 reviews
December 28, 2025
Denny Voss is mentally challenged - or what we might refer to as slow. He can be annoying because his brain scrambles and he will continue to ask the same question until he gets an answer. He can be a stubborn mule but he has a good heart. So when he’s picked up by the police for sledding down a hill with a bunch of guns, everything goes sideways.
His past arrests come out: Kidnapping Tom Hanks (this is a goose btw); inadvertently helping a bank robber. His good intentions seem to get him into trouble.
But, Denny has a way of weaving his way into your heart for as simple as he is, he is the representation of our fundamental values as humans. Honest. Compassionate. loving. He wants to fix those things that break us. He is more human than most humans. And did I mention, his love of dogs?
5⭐️ 🐾
For lovers of Forrest Gump you won’t want to miss this one.
His past arrests come out: Kidnapping Tom Hanks (this is a goose btw); inadvertently helping a bank robber. His good intentions seem to get him into trouble.
But, Denny has a way of weaving his way into your heart for as simple as he is, he is the representation of our fundamental values as humans. Honest. Compassionate. loving. He wants to fix those things that break us. He is more human than most humans. And did I mention, his love of dogs?
5⭐️ 🐾
For lovers of Forrest Gump you won’t want to miss this one.
September 26, 2025
This is a real hidden gem; it's one I stumbled upon purely by chance.
We meet Denny, who is 30 years old and lives with his mum, Nana-Jo. Denny is developmentally challenged and neurodiverse. Denny lost his dad when he was 14. Has a sister, Lydia, whom he rarely sees, and is close to his cousin Angus, who lives next door and who is also his boss. His dog, George, a Saint Bernard, is blind and deaf, and Denny dotes on him.
Denny gets arrested when he's caught in possession of a haul of guns... on his sled, after he crashes it into a tree. When one of the guns was found to have been the weapon used in the killing of mayoral candidate Henry Tesky, he gets charged with murder.
The story centres on Denny awaiting trial in prison, talking to a therapist trying to get to the bottom of why Denny ended up in the circumstances surrounding the guns. As they chat, Denny takes us through various stages of his life where he gets himself into numerous scrapes and scenarios. We also find out about his family and some of their secrets.
This was funny in places, sad in others and also left me a bit teary at certain points too. It did get slightly repetitive at times, but then again Denny liked routine, so I suppose the writing was reflecting that.
I enjoyed this; it was heart-warming. Denny was such a lovable character; he had a big heart. His innocence and naivety at the world around him, yet his determination to be so positive, were endearing. He always tried to do the right thing, but it didn't always go to plan. His family too – some good, some not so much, but he had people around him that truly loved him for just being Denny.
Do read the Author's afterword at the end of the book, as they explain some of the characters, situations and disabilities are based on real people. Even George and Wilson are based on real animals.
We meet Denny, who is 30 years old and lives with his mum, Nana-Jo. Denny is developmentally challenged and neurodiverse. Denny lost his dad when he was 14. Has a sister, Lydia, whom he rarely sees, and is close to his cousin Angus, who lives next door and who is also his boss. His dog, George, a Saint Bernard, is blind and deaf, and Denny dotes on him.
Denny gets arrested when he's caught in possession of a haul of guns... on his sled, after he crashes it into a tree. When one of the guns was found to have been the weapon used in the killing of mayoral candidate Henry Tesky, he gets charged with murder.
The story centres on Denny awaiting trial in prison, talking to a therapist trying to get to the bottom of why Denny ended up in the circumstances surrounding the guns. As they chat, Denny takes us through various stages of his life where he gets himself into numerous scrapes and scenarios. We also find out about his family and some of their secrets.
This was funny in places, sad in others and also left me a bit teary at certain points too. It did get slightly repetitive at times, but then again Denny liked routine, so I suppose the writing was reflecting that.
I enjoyed this; it was heart-warming. Denny was such a lovable character; he had a big heart. His innocence and naivety at the world around him, yet his determination to be so positive, were endearing. He always tried to do the right thing, but it didn't always go to plan. His family too – some good, some not so much, but he had people around him that truly loved him for just being Denny.
Do read the Author's afterword at the end of the book, as they explain some of the characters, situations and disabilities are based on real people. Even George and Wilson are based on real animals.
April 13, 2025
ALL THE STARS!!! After reading many other good reviews, I postponed another novel on my TBR to read this title first and I’m so very glad that I did! A really fresh and unique voice and POV from this first person tale about developmentally challenged Denny and his life and family & friends. Sorta “Forest Gump meets Slingblade” - IYKYK 😜 The novel is all recounted by Denny Voss himself who’s awaiting trial for murder and is told 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 & old, blind rescue dog George. "His number is 72" - so Denny just misses the cut-off for developmentally challenged, but he is quite different. Do be sure to read the “author’s note” too. I teared up more than once reading it 😭 and HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend it!!
November 7, 2024
Senseless cruelty and simple kindness are spun into a compelling story with charm, told in a unique voice sure to capture hearts. This was my first time reading Holly Kennedy and I was blown away. The poignant plot unfolds with honesty and warmth. I found myself sneaking every spare moment to spend a few more minutes with Denny and his family.
Told from Denny's perspective, as a thirty-year old developmentally challenged man, the narrative is captivating. Denny lives with his mother and has a job with the DOT removing roadkill and replacing damaged road signs. He adores his Saint Bernard, George, who is blind and deaf. Their relationship is heartwarming. Denny lives a routine yet fulfilling life until he's charged with murder.
Watching Denny grapple with the family secrets he uncovered kept me turning pages and broke my heart. The author kept his voice consistent throughout which was quite a feat given all that transpires. I yearned to see Denny and his family resolve their issues and come to terms with the past. The ending was brilliant and left me teary eyed.
⭐All the Stars!⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy
Told from Denny's perspective, as a thirty-year old developmentally challenged man, the narrative is captivating. Denny lives with his mother and has a job with the DOT removing roadkill and replacing damaged road signs. He adores his Saint Bernard, George, who is blind and deaf. Their relationship is heartwarming. Denny lives a routine yet fulfilling life until he's charged with murder.
Watching Denny grapple with the family secrets he uncovered kept me turning pages and broke my heart. The author kept his voice consistent throughout which was quite a feat given all that transpires. I yearned to see Denny and his family resolve their issues and come to terms with the past. The ending was brilliant and left me teary eyed.
⭐All the Stars!⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy
April 12, 2025
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.
#NetGalley #TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss
***
TW:
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.
#NetGalley #TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss
***
TW:
August 20, 2025
This was the lovelies book I’ve stumbled upon in a while. The main character got himself into so much trouble, and his mental illness was so respectfully conveyed that it made my heart burst with compassion and love for him. It had so many layers and lessons to learn, and the afterword also made it more touching.
September 30, 2025
I’d give this book 10 stars if I could!
I loved it so very much- I'm struggling to find another book right now that has resonated with me as deeply as this one has... I’m still in awe at how much this book touched me to my very core.
This book was the first to bring me to tears, yet it's also the funniest I've ever read. It's incredibly passionate, thought-provoking, kind, sweet, and lovable. I listened to the audio version (currently available on Kindle Unlimited with audio), and I believe my favorite narrator, Teddy Hamilton, greatly contributed to my enjoyment with his superb portrayal of each character.
Every character is fully developed, adding immense depth to the story. What truly touched me was the author's note at the end, explaining how each character—including the dogs—evolved from aspects of her personal life. This story truly comes from the heart, offering a cast of characters that touch the human spirit, which I believe we all need right now. I particularly adored the supporting cast, - group of unsung heroes.
About the book:
"The Sideways Life of Denny Voss" centers on Denny, who has a developmental delay and is on the autism spectrum with Asperger's. While some readers found his soothing techniques and long winded stories challenging, these behaviors were integral to the plot. Denny is charged with a crime, making this essentially a cozy mystery. However, it's much more than a whodunit; it's a touching story of a man and his family navigating a challenging world. The reader discovers many "aha" moments through Denny's wonderfully detailed storytelling.
If you enjoyed The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, I strongly recommend The Sideways Life of Denny Voss!
I loved it so very much- I'm struggling to find another book right now that has resonated with me as deeply as this one has... I’m still in awe at how much this book touched me to my very core.
This book was the first to bring me to tears, yet it's also the funniest I've ever read. It's incredibly passionate, thought-provoking, kind, sweet, and lovable. I listened to the audio version (currently available on Kindle Unlimited with audio), and I believe my favorite narrator, Teddy Hamilton, greatly contributed to my enjoyment with his superb portrayal of each character.
Every character is fully developed, adding immense depth to the story. What truly touched me was the author's note at the end, explaining how each character—including the dogs—evolved from aspects of her personal life. This story truly comes from the heart, offering a cast of characters that touch the human spirit, which I believe we all need right now. I particularly adored the supporting cast, - group of unsung heroes.
About the book:
"The Sideways Life of Denny Voss" centers on Denny, who has a developmental delay and is on the autism spectrum with Asperger's. While some readers found his soothing techniques and long winded stories challenging, these behaviors were integral to the plot. Denny is charged with a crime, making this essentially a cozy mystery. However, it's much more than a whodunit; it's a touching story of a man and his family navigating a challenging world. The reader discovers many "aha" moments through Denny's wonderfully detailed storytelling.
If you enjoyed The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, I strongly recommend The Sideways Life of Denny Voss!
April 4, 2025
The story is told through the perspective of Denny Voss, a neurodivergent man with developmental delays who is facing serious criminal charges. How can he get a fair shot at justice when he struggles to understand people, and people don’t take the time to understand him? When he speaks in repetition and tangents, and shuts down under stress, how can he tell his story and prove he is innocent?
Fiction so often portrays neurodivergent characters as socially awkward but brilliant (Don Tillman from “The Rosie Project,” Elizabeth Zott from “Lessons in Chemistry,” Christopher Boone from “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”). Denny helped reshape and broaden my view of neurodivergence and intellectual disability.
I was definitely rooting for Denny the whole time and eager to learn his backstory. I know many readers found this book laugh-out-loud funny, but for me, some of the situations and Denny’s literal interpretations felt written for laughs rather than humor that folded in naturally. Of course, this is coming from someone who cracks up at her own jokes while others stare at me blankly.
If you read the afterword, it’s clear how much care and thought the author put into portraying Denny with respect and authenticity. As someone with a developmentally disabled sibling, I’d say she succeeded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Fiction so often portrays neurodivergent characters as socially awkward but brilliant (Don Tillman from “The Rosie Project,” Elizabeth Zott from “Lessons in Chemistry,” Christopher Boone from “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”). Denny helped reshape and broaden my view of neurodivergence and intellectual disability.
I was definitely rooting for Denny the whole time and eager to learn his backstory. I know many readers found this book laugh-out-loud funny, but for me, some of the situations and Denny’s literal interpretations felt written for laughs rather than humor that folded in naturally. Of course, this is coming from someone who cracks up at her own jokes while others stare at me blankly.
If you read the afterword, it’s clear how much care and thought the author put into portraying Denny with respect and authenticity. As someone with a developmentally disabled sibling, I’d say she succeeded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2026
Oh my heart! This was amazing.
Denny Voss is a 30 year old developmentally challenged young man that lives at home with his Nana-Jo and his elderly deaf and blind St. Bernard, George. By all accounts Denny has a good life. That is until he crashes a sled full of guns and bullets and it's discovered that one of the guns was used in the recent homicide of a mayoral candidate.
Denny now finds himself charged with murder.
But it's not Denny's first run in with the law. There was the kidnapping of Tom Hanks, his neighbors goose from next door. And that one time he may have inadvertently assisted in a bank robbery.
Sometimes life goes sideways for Denny but with the help of a wonderful cast of characters will they be able to set Denny on the right path again? You'll have to read this to find out!
A shout out of thanks to Shelby *trains flying monkeys* for putting this gem of a book on my radar. I truly grew to love Denny. Actually it wasn't just Denny I grew to love it was everyone in his orbit. It was a joy to see how much everyone cares about Denny and how much they want to protect him. I didn't even realize how much this book had wiggled it's way into my heart until my husband caught me sobbing at the end wondering what in the heck was wrong with me. All I could muster is "It's the book" 😭 I was a mess! Once you read this you'll know. ALL THE STARS!!!
Denny Voss is a 30 year old developmentally challenged young man that lives at home with his Nana-Jo and his elderly deaf and blind St. Bernard, George. By all accounts Denny has a good life. That is until he crashes a sled full of guns and bullets and it's discovered that one of the guns was used in the recent homicide of a mayoral candidate.
Denny now finds himself charged with murder.
But it's not Denny's first run in with the law. There was the kidnapping of Tom Hanks, his neighbors goose from next door. And that one time he may have inadvertently assisted in a bank robbery.
Sometimes life goes sideways for Denny but with the help of a wonderful cast of characters will they be able to set Denny on the right path again? You'll have to read this to find out!
A shout out of thanks to Shelby *trains flying monkeys* for putting this gem of a book on my radar. I truly grew to love Denny. Actually it wasn't just Denny I grew to love it was everyone in his orbit. It was a joy to see how much everyone cares about Denny and how much they want to protect him. I didn't even realize how much this book had wiggled it's way into my heart until my husband caught me sobbing at the end wondering what in the heck was wrong with me. All I could muster is "It's the book" 😭 I was a mess! Once you read this you'll know. ALL THE STARS!!!
December 30, 2025
EXCERPT: * I was biking down the road one day when Mr. Teskey hit me with his Tesla (fancy car) and tried to kill me.
* Mr. Tesky said it was an accident.
* I think he did it on purpose.
*I never liked Mr. Tesky and he never liked me.
*Ten days ago, Mr. Tesky was found dead in his home from a 'fatal gunshot wound.'
*After I got myself arrested at the bottom of Penguin Hill, the police tested all my guns, and they said one of them had been used to murder Mr. Tesky. They also said I had 'motive, opportunity and no alibi.'
*If I were talking to you in person, I'd whisper this part - I have been charged with Mr. Tesky's murder.
ABOUT 'THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS': On the surface, Denny Voss’s life in rural Minnesota is a quiet one. At thirty years old, he lives at home with his elderly mother and his beloved blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. He cleans up roadkill to help pay the bills. Though his prospects are limited by a developmental delay—the result of an accident at birth—Denny has always felt that he has “a good life.”
So how did he wind up being charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate—after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree?
As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through the events of the past year. Denny’s had other scuffles with the law, the first for kidnapping a neighbor’s cantankerous goose. And then there was the time he accidentally assisted in a bank robbery. It seems like whenever Denny tries to do the right thing, chaos ensues.
Untangling the events around the murder reveals even more painful truths about his family’s past. He’s always been surrounded by people who love him, but now it’s up to Denny to set his life on a new course.
MY THOUGHTS: Poignant, touching and heart-rending.
Born six weeks prematurely and deprived of oxygen at birth, Denny Voss is a twenty-nine-year-old neurodivergent man with developmental delays. Once upon a time, he would have been labeled 'simple-minded' but, believe me, there is nothing simple about Denny's mind. Literal, yes. Simple, no.
It's hard not to fall in love with Denny - though I did it gradually. He is stubborn and funny with an undefinable charm. He sees the world in black and white - grey confuses him. Denny's spirit is pure and innocent, he is trusting and sometimes unaware of the seriousness of situations - the bank robbery being a great example. And he doesn't like change, a great deal of which occurs in The Sideways Life of Denny Voss.
Family is his one constant. He has a nurturing mom - Nana-Jo - who, although they are poor, has always put her children Lydia and Denny first. Lydia is very much absent from Denny's life. He doesn't much like her and she wants as little as possible to do with him. His cousin Angus, who lives next door, is his wingman. He has Denny's back. There is also a wonderful dog, George, deaf and blind, who Denny adopted from a rescue centre.
In addition to the problems Denny encounters in his life, the author addresses the very real and topical problems of sexual grooming and gun violence. These are skillfully woven into the storyline and add to and enhance the plot.
I read this delightful book overnight. It was my first by author Holly Kennedy, it won't be my last. If you do pick up The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, and I hope you do, please make sure you read the author's note at the end. It is very enlightening.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheSidewaysLifeofDennyVoss #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: HOLLY KENNEDY was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. Today, she lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her family and their Newfoundland dog, Wallace.
When she’s not writing, you’ll typically find her reading, spending time with family, or (her not-so-secret obsession) watching true crime TV shows. (Source: hollykennedy.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss written by Holly Kennedy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy was published April, 2025.
* Mr. Tesky said it was an accident.
* I think he did it on purpose.
*I never liked Mr. Tesky and he never liked me.
*Ten days ago, Mr. Tesky was found dead in his home from a 'fatal gunshot wound.'
*After I got myself arrested at the bottom of Penguin Hill, the police tested all my guns, and they said one of them had been used to murder Mr. Tesky. They also said I had 'motive, opportunity and no alibi.'
*If I were talking to you in person, I'd whisper this part - I have been charged with Mr. Tesky's murder.
ABOUT 'THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS': On the surface, Denny Voss’s life in rural Minnesota is a quiet one. At thirty years old, he lives at home with his elderly mother and his beloved blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. He cleans up roadkill to help pay the bills. Though his prospects are limited by a developmental delay—the result of an accident at birth—Denny has always felt that he has “a good life.”
So how did he wind up being charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate—after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree?
As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through the events of the past year. Denny’s had other scuffles with the law, the first for kidnapping a neighbor’s cantankerous goose. And then there was the time he accidentally assisted in a bank robbery. It seems like whenever Denny tries to do the right thing, chaos ensues.
Untangling the events around the murder reveals even more painful truths about his family’s past. He’s always been surrounded by people who love him, but now it’s up to Denny to set his life on a new course.
MY THOUGHTS: Poignant, touching and heart-rending.
Born six weeks prematurely and deprived of oxygen at birth, Denny Voss is a twenty-nine-year-old neurodivergent man with developmental delays. Once upon a time, he would have been labeled 'simple-minded' but, believe me, there is nothing simple about Denny's mind. Literal, yes. Simple, no.
It's hard not to fall in love with Denny - though I did it gradually. He is stubborn and funny with an undefinable charm. He sees the world in black and white - grey confuses him. Denny's spirit is pure and innocent, he is trusting and sometimes unaware of the seriousness of situations - the bank robbery being a great example. And he doesn't like change, a great deal of which occurs in The Sideways Life of Denny Voss.
Family is his one constant. He has a nurturing mom - Nana-Jo - who, although they are poor, has always put her children Lydia and Denny first. Lydia is very much absent from Denny's life. He doesn't much like her and she wants as little as possible to do with him. His cousin Angus, who lives next door, is his wingman. He has Denny's back. There is also a wonderful dog, George, deaf and blind, who Denny adopted from a rescue centre.
In addition to the problems Denny encounters in his life, the author addresses the very real and topical problems of sexual grooming and gun violence. These are skillfully woven into the storyline and add to and enhance the plot.
I read this delightful book overnight. It was my first by author Holly Kennedy, it won't be my last. If you do pick up The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, and I hope you do, please make sure you read the author's note at the end. It is very enlightening.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheSidewaysLifeofDennyVoss #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: HOLLY KENNEDY was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. Today, she lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her family and their Newfoundland dog, Wallace.
When she’s not writing, you’ll typically find her reading, spending time with family, or (her not-so-secret obsession) watching true crime TV shows. (Source: hollykennedy.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss written by Holly Kennedy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy was published April, 2025.
April 18, 2025
5 stars. It’s fresh, it’s different.. and not at all how I pictured it would be after reading the first chapter, and what a good thing. Lo and behold, sweet thirty-year-old Denny stole my heart with his genuine kindness for others including his great big furry pal, George.. and unlike everyone else, there’s not a desensitized bone in his body. His life is a bit chaotic with his disabilities but he’s a hoot and quite the character. Denny knows his number is 72 and that does not deter him from experiencing the world, nor knowledge of what’s happening around him. And wow does he ever shine like a the brightest star in the sky. The story did hit on his birth parents past. Everything is not always as it appears to be in life, just as in this book, and although this part hit me hard Kennedy took great care in her writing of this and several other sensitive issues inside. I loved this sweet gem. Highly recommend. ❥ Pub. 4/8/25
March 4, 2025
Denny Voss is one of the most heartwarming, funny, interesting characters I've read in such a long time. He's 29 and neurodivergent. He is trying to start to take a little responsibility for his own life, and boy does it go off the rails.
I laughed and cried (and I rarely cry at books lately). Every single character has depth, feels realistic, and each catbrings something to the novel that I feel would've been less of a great story without them. This includes a precious blind and deaf St. Bernard.
The author captures the "voice" of Denny Voss perfectly. He's not a caricature, but a real man getting through life in his own unique way.
I also loved the author notes at the end of the book. I felt like I understood the author (and suddenly wanted to be her new friend,) and identified with her anxiety, fears, and the manner in which she approached this story.
Denny Voss, and his family and friends (including a goose named Tom Hanks,) are a group I won't soon forget.
Hands down (and yes, I know it's early in the year) this is my favorite book of the 2025. I'd imagine I'll be able to come back in December and still feel the same.
Kudos to Holly Kennedy. Buy this book. Better: preorder it so you have it the day it is published.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss #LakeUnionPublishing #HollyKennedy #NetGalley
I laughed and cried (and I rarely cry at books lately). Every single character has depth, feels realistic, and each catbrings something to the novel that I feel would've been less of a great story without them. This includes a precious blind and deaf St. Bernard.
The author captures the "voice" of Denny Voss perfectly. He's not a caricature, but a real man getting through life in his own unique way.
I also loved the author notes at the end of the book. I felt like I understood the author (and suddenly wanted to be her new friend,) and identified with her anxiety, fears, and the manner in which she approached this story.
Denny Voss, and his family and friends (including a goose named Tom Hanks,) are a group I won't soon forget.
Hands down (and yes, I know it's early in the year) this is my favorite book of the 2025. I'd imagine I'll be able to come back in December and still feel the same.
Kudos to Holly Kennedy. Buy this book. Better: preorder it so you have it the day it is published.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheSidewaysLifeOfDennyVoss #LakeUnionPublishing #HollyKennedy #NetGalley
November 17, 2025
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
is definitely that. . .sideways. But it is a sideways borne with an optimistic spirit that is stubborn and pervasive. . .contagious even! He's like the bus rider or plane passenger that has been waiting their entire life for you to sit next to them so they could spill all their life's beans right into your lap whether you want them to or not.
First-person Denny is who we meet, and the tale begins - full of backstory with occasional asides about jail and its issues - a hint that we are a long way from the point and purpose of this sharing. His language is not your English teacher's English, as there are a lot of dids, do's, doing's (or not) that would receive said teacher's red slash if so 'done' on a written submission. (Soooo. . .this indicates an intentional style choice. . .still I stopped.every.time.) Anyway. . .
You see, Denny is good-hearted (as he defines good-hearted - you may not), willing to go the extra mile (in fact, quite a few and then a few other side roads), and loves animals (you'll hear about them all), especially his foundling George (a blind and deaf St. Bernard canine). Denny, when IQ tested, scored a 72 (well above the indicator of 70 for intellectual disability) and assertively reminds anyone who seems to think he's less than able to deal with current circumstances. While Denny's body is 30, his spirit is unencumbered by the worldly sophistications of those in their third decade, and yet often shares his unfiltered wisdom with perfect timing as appropriate to the moment as Gandhi's own.
This was a tale that carried itself victorious over the goal line for this reader 100%. That said, and it should be said - there are many difficult things discussed within the same paragraph as something that makes a reader laugh out loud. (This reader can be rather jaded and tolerant of those sorts of breaches.) There are 36 f-bombs (not that I'm counting), sex is happened upon (he may not recognize it, but you will), suicide, mass shootings discussed casually, guns and gun-play. Normally, I wouldn't mention these (say in a James Bond review), but I do here for those who might like a little warning on these topics.
So warnings given, Great job Holly Kennedy! (Don't miss the Author's note).
All The Stars, Denny Voss! Continue on with your Sideways Life. I'm going to start looking at mine sideways a little more than I have done thus far.
*A sincere thank you to Holly Kennedy, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheSidewaysLifeofDennyVoss #NetGalley 25|52:34c
First-person Denny is who we meet, and the tale begins - full of backstory with occasional asides about jail and its issues - a hint that we are a long way from the point and purpose of this sharing. His language is not your English teacher's English, as there are a lot of dids, do's, doing's (or not) that would receive said teacher's red slash if so 'done' on a written submission. (Soooo. . .this indicates an intentional style choice. . .still I stopped.every.time.) Anyway. . .
You see, Denny is good-hearted (as he defines good-hearted - you may not), willing to go the extra mile (in fact, quite a few and then a few other side roads), and loves animals (you'll hear about them all), especially his foundling George (a blind and deaf St. Bernard canine). Denny, when IQ tested, scored a 72 (well above the indicator of 70 for intellectual disability) and assertively reminds anyone who seems to think he's less than able to deal with current circumstances. While Denny's body is 30, his spirit is unencumbered by the worldly sophistications of those in their third decade, and yet often shares his unfiltered wisdom with perfect timing as appropriate to the moment as Gandhi's own.
This was a tale that carried itself victorious over the goal line for this reader 100%. That said, and it should be said - there are many difficult things discussed within the same paragraph as something that makes a reader laugh out loud. (This reader can be rather jaded and tolerant of those sorts of breaches.) There are 36 f-bombs (not that I'm counting), sex is happened upon (he may not recognize it, but you will), suicide, mass shootings discussed casually, guns and gun-play. Normally, I wouldn't mention these (say in a James Bond review), but I do here for those who might like a little warning on these topics.
So warnings given, Great job Holly Kennedy! (Don't miss the Author's note).
All The Stars, Denny Voss! Continue on with your Sideways Life. I'm going to start looking at mine sideways a little more than I have done thus far.
*A sincere thank you to Holly Kennedy, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheSidewaysLifeofDennyVoss #NetGalley 25|52:34c
December 14, 2025
Sweet, poignant, uplifting, and heartbreaking in equal measure, The Sideways Life of Denny Voss was a joy to read.
Denny is a 30-year-old man who is developmentally delayed; his IQ, or "number" as he calls it, is 72, which is considered "borderline intellectually functioning." But don't tell Denny that because he thinks he's enough. And he is. After all, IQ tests measure just one type of intelligence one type of way.
Denny loves animals. He's kind. He can read and write, and is competent at many tasks. He has a job and friends. Life is good ... until he gets arrested for murder that is.
The secondary characters are wonderfully sketched, from Denny's caring, determined Nana-Jo to his cocky cousin Angus, who wears ridiculous t-shirts and always ALWAYS has Denny's back. The star of the show, however, is George, Denny's blind and deaf St. Bernard, his constant companion.
There's also Lydia, Denny's older sister, and the less said about her the better. I hated Lydia.
I'm hesitant to say anything negative about this book, but I simply don't believe an intellectually disabled man would have been held without bail for three months on the basis of, at best, circumstantial evidence. The actuality of being imprisoned was also seriously downplayed and in no way reflected the real world.
On top of that, we're supposed to accept that What the what now?
While the mystery element was lacking, that's not the point of this story at all. The point is Denny's unique voice, which rings bright and clear, and the kaleidoscope of emotions the narrative evokes.
Denny is a 30-year-old man who is developmentally delayed; his IQ, or "number" as he calls it, is 72, which is considered "borderline intellectually functioning." But don't tell Denny that because he thinks he's enough. And he is. After all, IQ tests measure just one type of intelligence one type of way.
Denny loves animals. He's kind. He can read and write, and is competent at many tasks. He has a job and friends. Life is good ... until he gets arrested for murder that is.
The secondary characters are wonderfully sketched, from Denny's caring, determined Nana-Jo to his cocky cousin Angus, who wears ridiculous t-shirts and always ALWAYS has Denny's back. The star of the show, however, is George, Denny's blind and deaf St. Bernard, his constant companion.
There's also Lydia, Denny's older sister, and the less said about her the better. I hated Lydia.
I'm hesitant to say anything negative about this book, but I simply don't believe an intellectually disabled man would have been held without bail for three months on the basis of, at best, circumstantial evidence. The actuality of being imprisoned was also seriously downplayed and in no way reflected the real world.
On top of that, we're supposed to accept that What the what now?
While the mystery element was lacking, that's not the point of this story at all. The point is Denny's unique voice, which rings bright and clear, and the kaleidoscope of emotions the narrative evokes.
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?
May 5, 2025
This was a great book! I was so excited to have won it through a Goodreads giveaway.
Having a family member with similar traits as Denny Voss, I was pleased with his portrayal. He came alive to me as a very real person. I enjoyed seeing life through his very naive and kind perspective and his wording of certain phrases endeared him to me. Denny is the guy that everyone wants for a friend!
His sideways life is a new take on the thriller, suspense murder and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I also appreciated the author’s afterward explaining how and why she wrote the story. It’s a gem!
Having a family member with similar traits as Denny Voss, I was pleased with his portrayal. He came alive to me as a very real person. I enjoyed seeing life through his very naive and kind perspective and his wording of certain phrases endeared him to me. Denny is the guy that everyone wants for a friend!
His sideways life is a new take on the thriller, suspense murder and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I also appreciated the author’s afterward explaining how and why she wrote the story. It’s a gem!
May 25, 2025
I bought this one after a friend's recommendation. she said I'd love it and it would be such a great distraction from all the chaos. Well, she was right. I loved it! It made me laugh....like REALLY LAUGH! Denny is such a great character. He was naive, yet so kind and caring. I could imagine being friends with someone like him. What a sweet person he was. And his love for his dog...just the cutest! I'd highly recommend this one!
May 24, 2025
I have read or listened to several great books already this year but this one might just be my favorite, or at least it's right up there with Wild Dark Shore and a couple of others. This book made me laugh out loud numerous times but it also touched me deeply and brought me to tears a time or two. It's the story of 30-year-old Denny Voss who happens to be developmentally delayed. Despite what some might consider limitations, he is a perfect example of the power of human potential. Denny was raised by, and is still living with his grandmother who has taught him to be kind and caring and confident. He is also so wise. For example, one of my favorite 'Denny quotes' is: "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.” There is a real innocence about Denny so it's shocking to learn that he has been accused of murdering the town's mayoral candidate. As the mystery pursues and Denny is being questioned and supported by a therapist, there are flashbacks where many secrets and truths are revealed. In addition to the amazing Denny, there are secondary characters like Nana-Jo and of course Denny's sweet dog, George, whom you will also love. This book is a reminder to never underestimate people just because they may be different from you. In fact, the world would be better off with more people like Denny Voss. Loved this book!
August 28, 2025
I read it in one sitting. This is the kind of book that you really treasure. I was a little worried about it triggering my anxiety because one of my kids being accused of a crime and incarcerated is on my list of irrational fears. But in this case, Denny is so trusting and the tone is so heartwarming that the reader is sure he will be just fine. I love a cozy mystery where the murdered person is an evil monster- it’s just easier to be okay with the fact that they’re dead. I loved how quaint this novel is- putting it in my list of recommendations for books with neurodivergent main characters.
November 14, 2025
Denny Voss is a character I won’t forget anytime soon. This is an incredibly touching story about an amazing young man with some mental challenges who proves to have the character, integrity, honesty and kindness that we should all aspire to.
Denny’s life is definitely going sideways. He’s been arrested three times and is now facing murder charges in addition to a whole host of family issues and other situations he unintentionally lands in the middle of. Despite it all, Denny stays true to himself and lets his innocent, honest and funny personality shine through.
Told from Denny’s point of view, we learn about all of the graphic details of the crazy events that Denny’s been involved in and all of the lives he’s touched. We also meet all of his amazing family members who love him so dearly. His cousin, Angus, and his Nana-Jo shine through as unforgettable characters. And, of course, there’s George - Denny’s blind and deaf rescue Saint Bernard who is the anchor in Denny’s tumultuous life.
This book made me smile, made me laugh, made me guess and wonder and made me cry. I absolutely loved it. Denny is a very special character and the telling of his story here is beautifully done.
Aside - The Author’s Notes at the end of the book are so insightful and interesting! So much of this book is influenced by her own life.
Denny’s life is definitely going sideways. He’s been arrested three times and is now facing murder charges in addition to a whole host of family issues and other situations he unintentionally lands in the middle of. Despite it all, Denny stays true to himself and lets his innocent, honest and funny personality shine through.
Told from Denny’s point of view, we learn about all of the graphic details of the crazy events that Denny’s been involved in and all of the lives he’s touched. We also meet all of his amazing family members who love him so dearly. His cousin, Angus, and his Nana-Jo shine through as unforgettable characters. And, of course, there’s George - Denny’s blind and deaf rescue Saint Bernard who is the anchor in Denny’s tumultuous life.
This book made me smile, made me laugh, made me guess and wonder and made me cry. I absolutely loved it. Denny is a very special character and the telling of his story here is beautifully done.
Aside - The Author’s Notes at the end of the book are so insightful and interesting! So much of this book is influenced by her own life.
April 6, 2025
Oh my gosh can you give a book 10 stars? One of the most heartfelt books I have read in a long time. I instantly fell in love with Denny Voss and the entire cast of characters in his life.
Denny is a mentally challenged young man who is accused of a crime that he doesn’t quite comprehend. The book tells the backstory of Denny and quite a few situations that he has been involved in during his life.
Funny and heartfelt and a perfect example of community and rallying around each other…no matter how flawed. Add in George the blind and deaf dog that Denny saves from being put down and this book had me laughing and crying and absolutely sobbing at the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the honor to listen and review this book. Narration was absolute perfection!!!
This book will stay with me for a long time!!!
Denny is a mentally challenged young man who is accused of a crime that he doesn’t quite comprehend. The book tells the backstory of Denny and quite a few situations that he has been involved in during his life.
Funny and heartfelt and a perfect example of community and rallying around each other…no matter how flawed. Add in George the blind and deaf dog that Denny saves from being put down and this book had me laughing and crying and absolutely sobbing at the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the honor to listen and review this book. Narration was absolute perfection!!!
This book will stay with me for a long time!!!
May 4, 2025
I'm incredibly impressed by how beautifully written Holly Kennedy's The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is. It must have taken an amazing amount of thought and skill to bring this heartfelt tale to life.
This story is unlike anything I've ever read before. Since I almost never read blurbs I usually don't really know what to expect. It was the cover and title which totally caught my eye - and that's why I picked it. But I'm so glad I did!
Kennedy's writing is lovely and I can't wait to discover what else this amazing author has written.
The audio version of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is narrated by Andrew Eiden who does an excellent job. This is a complex story, and the emotion would be difficult to bring across due to Denny's learning issues. But Eiden's performance is truly perfect for this novel.
I highly recommend this incredible story.
an audiobook copy of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss was provided by Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
This story is unlike anything I've ever read before. Since I almost never read blurbs I usually don't really know what to expect. It was the cover and title which totally caught my eye - and that's why I picked it. But I'm so glad I did!
Kennedy's writing is lovely and I can't wait to discover what else this amazing author has written.
The audio version of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is narrated by Andrew Eiden who does an excellent job. This is a complex story, and the emotion would be difficult to bring across due to Denny's learning issues. But Eiden's performance is truly perfect for this novel.
I highly recommend this incredible story.
an audiobook copy of The Sideways Life of Denny Voss was provided by Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
July 18, 2025
Loved this story and Danny! Must read with ears not eyeballs, iykyk.
Best chapter, second to last: Lydia’s Useless 😆
Best chapter, second to last: Lydia’s Useless 😆
August 11, 2025
A TREASURE!!! Bumping this up to my "favorites" shelf. The author truly captured my heart with this unique & special story. Denny is by far one of my most favorite characters I've encountered in a book. Kudos to Holly Kennedy for making his character so real, LOVEABLE, funny & charming.
This story is told from Denny's POV. He is a mentally challenged man, 29/30 years old. Denny is on trial for the murder of Mr. Tesky. Your heart will SWELL with love for Denny's very wholesome & endearing spirit throughout his trial as he works through the events that got him arrested for murder. Along the way, you will learn the details of why Denny was also charged with kidnapping Tom Hanks, and robbing a bank prior to his murder conviction. The more trouble Denny finds himself in, the more you will want to hug him with your whole heart! <3
The entire cast of characters in this book are incredible. I can't forget about George - Denny's blind/deaf Saint Bernard whom he takes very good care of. Denny & George were meant to have each other in their lives.
I HIGHLY recommend listening to this one on audio - the narrator - Andrew Eiden is fantastic in his role. I enjoyed the author's note at the end, and how she put parts of her life into creating the story. I appreciate her goal of helping to create awareness and understanding of people mentally challenged.
I will be buying a hard copy, because my book shelf NEEDS Denny Voss! :)
This story is told from Denny's POV. He is a mentally challenged man, 29/30 years old. Denny is on trial for the murder of Mr. Tesky. Your heart will SWELL with love for Denny's very wholesome & endearing spirit throughout his trial as he works through the events that got him arrested for murder. Along the way, you will learn the details of why Denny was also charged with kidnapping Tom Hanks, and robbing a bank prior to his murder conviction. The more trouble Denny finds himself in, the more you will want to hug him with your whole heart! <3
The entire cast of characters in this book are incredible. I can't forget about George - Denny's blind/deaf Saint Bernard whom he takes very good care of. Denny & George were meant to have each other in their lives.
I HIGHLY recommend listening to this one on audio - the narrator - Andrew Eiden is fantastic in his role. I enjoyed the author's note at the end, and how she put parts of her life into creating the story. I appreciate her goal of helping to create awareness and understanding of people mentally challenged.
I will be buying a hard copy, because my book shelf NEEDS Denny Voss! :)
December 11, 2025
A beautiful story about Denny Voss, a neurodivergent young man with a developmental delay due to complications at his birth who finds himself caught up in a murder investigation where he is the prime suspect having to prove his innocence.
This story was SOOO good!! It was especially poignant for me as a mother of a young son with a developmental delay and seeing Denny have to navigate life in a world where people make assumptions about his intelligence and capabilities was heartbreaking. Denny Voss is such a kind, empathetic soul and I was rooting for him from the first sentence.
Great on audio with an important author's note read by Canadian Holly Kennedy herself. It was my first book by this author and I look forward to more! HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like That's not how it happened by Craig Thomas. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely a standout book of 2025 for me!!
⚠️CW: parental abandonment, developmental delay disability due to complications at birth
This story was SOOO good!! It was especially poignant for me as a mother of a young son with a developmental delay and seeing Denny have to navigate life in a world where people make assumptions about his intelligence and capabilities was heartbreaking. Denny Voss is such a kind, empathetic soul and I was rooting for him from the first sentence.
Great on audio with an important author's note read by Canadian Holly Kennedy herself. It was my first book by this author and I look forward to more! HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like That's not how it happened by Craig Thomas. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Definitely a standout book of 2025 for me!!
⚠️CW: parental abandonment, developmental delay disability due to complications at birth
October 23, 2025
I just loved this book! And you will too! Especially, you will love Denny. He’s mentally challenged yet insightful in many ways. He’s sweet and sensitive and stubborn too! Navigating life is not always easy for him. He strives to do the “right thing” and use his moral compass to guide him. That doesn’t always serve him well. But what does work in his favor, is that he is surrounded by loving and supportive people and that makes all the difference, in helping him maneuver his life, in the best way possible. You will laugh and you will cry. But mostly, you be entertained with always a smile on your face as you read this novel.
September 12, 2025
Book Report: The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
The Gist + My Thoughts: Holly Kennedy’s The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is one of those books that sneaks up on you with equal parts humor and heart. Denny is thirty…living in rural Minnesota with his mom and his blind and deaf Saint Bernard…George. His days are simple even quirky…cleaning up roadkill…but when a string of misadventures spirals out of control. He suddenly finds himself at the center of a murder charge. Through therapy sessions and flashbacks…we piece together the events that led him here. From the small town scuffles and laugh out loud mishaps to the harder truths about family and belonging. What really makes this novel shine are the characters. Denny is endlessly charming and lovable…the kind of narrator you just root for and the people around him bring so much color and heart to his story. I listened to the audiobook and it’s a must…the narration captures Denny’s voice perfectly and makes the story even more unforgettable.
My Question for Holly: Denny is such a lovable…memorable characte. What part of his story or personality came to you first when you started writing him?
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
The Gist + My Thoughts: Holly Kennedy’s The Sideways Life of Denny Voss is one of those books that sneaks up on you with equal parts humor and heart. Denny is thirty…living in rural Minnesota with his mom and his blind and deaf Saint Bernard…George. His days are simple even quirky…cleaning up roadkill…but when a string of misadventures spirals out of control. He suddenly finds himself at the center of a murder charge. Through therapy sessions and flashbacks…we piece together the events that led him here. From the small town scuffles and laugh out loud mishaps to the harder truths about family and belonging. What really makes this novel shine are the characters. Denny is endlessly charming and lovable…the kind of narrator you just root for and the people around him bring so much color and heart to his story. I listened to the audiobook and it’s a must…the narration captures Denny’s voice perfectly and makes the story even more unforgettable.
My Question for Holly: Denny is such a lovable…memorable characte. What part of his story or personality came to you first when you started writing him?
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
March 28, 2025
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.
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.
December 31, 2025
4.5 stars
ARC review
Denny Voss is a 30 year old living in rural Minnesota with his elderly mother and special needs Saint Bernard. He lives a simple life and he doesn’t let the challenges he faces (due to issues at birth) hold him back from feeling fulfilled. He has a great support system of people who love him and a solid routine to keep him grounded. That’s until his third arrest (this time for murder) puts a spanner in the works.
Denny and his loved ones are fantastic characters and the heart of this book is in the relationships between them all. This is such a funny cast and you can tell a lot of thought went into every single character. I laughed out loud many times and topped it off with a bucket of tears (a win in my eyes). This book gives you a classic mystery unravelling, but it is very much a character-driven narrative and it breathes fresh life into the genre. There’s a brilliant contrast throughout of the ridiculous (like kidnapping Tom Hanks (a goose named Tom Hanks)) and the sincere as Denny discovers world-changing family secrets.
I am not disabled/neurodivergent (I don’t think Denny’s condition is explicitly identified) so I am not in a position to deem this representation good or bad, but I definitely saw flashes of people in my life in Denny. He doesn’t feel like a caricature and I think the author does a great job of exploring the social issues he encounters. For example, Denny’s court-appointed therapist, who guides him through telling the story of the past year, often loses patience and learns he has to make changes to the way he typically communicates with clients to engage in a meaningful way. In Denny’s small community, I like that the author included both people who endear and treat him with kindness and people who wish to ostracize him, which is sadly a very realistic reaction.
I love The Sideways Life of Denny Voss because it’s wildly entertaining AND makes you empathise deeply. I highly recommend to fans of Fredrik Backman (the writing reminded me of him), Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or Molly the Maid.
ARC review
Denny Voss is a 30 year old living in rural Minnesota with his elderly mother and special needs Saint Bernard. He lives a simple life and he doesn’t let the challenges he faces (due to issues at birth) hold him back from feeling fulfilled. He has a great support system of people who love him and a solid routine to keep him grounded. That’s until his third arrest (this time for murder) puts a spanner in the works.
Denny and his loved ones are fantastic characters and the heart of this book is in the relationships between them all. This is such a funny cast and you can tell a lot of thought went into every single character. I laughed out loud many times and topped it off with a bucket of tears (a win in my eyes). This book gives you a classic mystery unravelling, but it is very much a character-driven narrative and it breathes fresh life into the genre. There’s a brilliant contrast throughout of the ridiculous (like kidnapping Tom Hanks (a goose named Tom Hanks)) and the sincere as Denny discovers world-changing family secrets.
I am not disabled/neurodivergent (I don’t think Denny’s condition is explicitly identified) so I am not in a position to deem this representation good or bad, but I definitely saw flashes of people in my life in Denny. He doesn’t feel like a caricature and I think the author does a great job of exploring the social issues he encounters. For example, Denny’s court-appointed therapist, who guides him through telling the story of the past year, often loses patience and learns he has to make changes to the way he typically communicates with clients to engage in a meaningful way. In Denny’s small community, I like that the author included both people who endear and treat him with kindness and people who wish to ostracize him, which is sadly a very realistic reaction.
I love The Sideways Life of Denny Voss because it’s wildly entertaining AND makes you empathise deeply. I highly recommend to fans of Fredrik Backman (the writing reminded me of him), Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or Molly the Maid.
November 3, 2025
I listened to this one on audio - quirky story with a neurodiverse central character. Its easy to be charmed by Denny, and you know the whole thing is going to work out for this wonderful guy. Its just that lately, I rather wish there wasn't the theme of injustice everywhere I turn. That's why reading Theo of Golden was so special. It was simply spiritual... But I digress.....
Denny Voss was narrated by Andrew Eigen, who I know from all my Liz Maverick audibles. I also think he is the voice of the Noah the Pie Maker too, from that series that I have now listened to three of the four sisters of. Sarah Adams? Lost in Rome, Practice Makes Perfect..... Anyway, I did enjoy it, despite the fact that I never love neurodiversity as a main narrator... But both the author and narrator did an excellent job and the story moved along. I actually couldn't put it down. Some of that is indeed the "November Goodreads Pressure." But the rest of it, is that I really wanted to see how it all turned out. I very much liked it. 3.5 stars.
Denny Voss was narrated by Andrew Eigen, who I know from all my Liz Maverick audibles. I also think he is the voice of the Noah the Pie Maker too, from that series that I have now listened to three of the four sisters of. Sarah Adams? Lost in Rome, Practice Makes Perfect..... Anyway, I did enjoy it, despite the fact that I never love neurodiversity as a main narrator... But both the author and narrator did an excellent job and the story moved along. I actually couldn't put it down. Some of that is indeed the "November Goodreads Pressure." But the rest of it, is that I really wanted to see how it all turned out. I very much liked it. 3.5 stars.
November 13, 2024
Unpopular opinion. We can't all like the same things I'm sad to say.
Unfortunately this story wasn't for me. Ibjust found Denny really frustrating. Whilst I understand he has some mental health delays, I found people around Denny also felt frustrated with him getting to the point. Books for me need to be enjoyable and this wasn't enjoyable, it was hard work. I found I honestly didn't care what happened to Denny or how the story ended. The only aspect of the story that I felt a connection with was George, I adore dogs and it felt heart warming reading the connection between Geoege and Denny. I enjoyed reading the backstory of how George came to be Dennys dog. The rest of the story was hardwork and I didn't care for it
Thanks to Netgally and Lake Union Publishing for my copy
Unfortunately this story wasn't for me. Ibjust found Denny really frustrating. Whilst I understand he has some mental health delays, I found people around Denny also felt frustrated with him getting to the point. Books for me need to be enjoyable and this wasn't enjoyable, it was hard work. I found I honestly didn't care what happened to Denny or how the story ended. The only aspect of the story that I felt a connection with was George, I adore dogs and it felt heart warming reading the connection between Geoege and Denny. I enjoyed reading the backstory of how George came to be Dennys dog. The rest of the story was hardwork and I didn't care for it
Thanks to Netgally and Lake Union Publishing for my copy
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