The Sideways Life of Denny Voss

Denny Voss is one of my favorite protagonists. He’s a sweet, funny, candid young man with intellectual disabilities. What I loved about this book was seeing the world through Denny’s eyes. Holly Kennedy brings us inside Denny’s mind, letting us know what he is thinking and how he interprets the people and situations he encounters.

All of the characters in the book felt real, well thought out, and genuine, making it easy to become attached and sometimes protective, especially of Denny when some would underestimate him. I was surprised by how emotionally attached I became to some of them.

This book begins with solving a murder in a small town in Minnesota, but it’s really about the unconditional love we give each other, facing painful family secrets, societal issues, and the limitations people project onto others based on their own perceptions. I highly recommend listening to this book as an audiobook, as the narration brings it to life. Don’t miss this heartfelt, funny book that will stay with you long after you finish.