This was a really intense book. I couldn't put it down. I felt like it was a very honest depiction of the reality of life for many foster care kids. Which is really sad, so I think this book isn't for everyone. Also, the author's writing style was smooth and easy to read. I definitely give this book 5 stars. I would love to read more by this author. ( )

A very good read. Very heart wrenching tho. Can be a trigger for some that have had sexually abusive backgrounds along with bad foster home life.
A very brave girl that shut down from things thrown at her from an early age. Finds her voice and does what's right and finds happines ( )

We first meet Melody as a 16-year-old, being dragged to an appointment by her exasperated foster carer. Clearly she has been through some terrible trauma, as she does not speak and is seeing a psychiatrist to try to bring her out of her shell. The only way she can communicate is through music. Melody's story gradually unfolds between the present and various times in her past, beginning as a happy 5-year-old spending time with her loving parents. Where are her parents now, and what are the terrible events that led to her silence?

Melody's story is a harrowing one. There are themes that some would find distressing, including myself. Often content notices are also spoilers; please see the version of this review on my blog to view them.

To be honest, it's not the kind of book I would normally read. I prefer fiction with lighter themes. The author has added an end note explaining why she chose to write about such themes, and I understand that it's important that these voices are heard. Putting my squeamishness aside, Gardner has woven a compelling tale that kept me reading. I sympathised with Melody and wanted to know her story, and of course, if she finally finds a place she can call home. The way that Melody's emotions and thoughts are expressed through song lyrics was evocative, and not something I've seen before. Both Melody and the supporting characters are well-rounded and diverse. The only reservation I have is that about two-thirds of the way into the book, several new characters are introduced, in both the present and the past, and I had trouble keeping track of who was who and when. I gradually overcame this, though, as the past and present were knitted together harmoniously.

Would I read more by this author?
(for the subject matter) Maybe! (for the writing style) Yes!

Please note: this book was provided for me to read and review by Library Thing's Early Reviewer programme. You can rest assured however, that this is (as always) an honest review!

Melody Fisher was born into a family of ritual snake handlers. When she was a child, her mama died from a snake bite and her father disappeared. When the book opens, Melody is sixteen, she hasn't spoken for two years and her most cherished possession is an MP3 player. She has been passed from foster home to foster home and is under court-mandated psychological care for stabbing a fellow-student.Communicating through song lyrics, she reveals a long history of bullying, sexual abuse, and rape. Eventually she achieves some recovery and peace through the efforts of the psychologist and a sympathetic case worker. A pwerful, compelling book with the unusual twist of communication through the song lyrics. ( )

Speak No Evil—review by a Library Thing early reader
Liana Gardner may have told a story about a speechless girl, but there is nothing wrong with her own voice as she brought a truth to light that needed attention. Too many children are trapped by circumstances beyond their control and they are too young to handle situations that would ruin adults. Their actions can seem incomprehensible to the people around them and their status as a victim sadly can invite hostility at the least and further abuse at the worst.
The child in this story was blessed in many ways despite the tragedies that were heaped upon her. She struggled, she made bad decisions, she ran from the people who wanted to help, but ultimately, she found her way—with a lot of help from true friends. The story is a familiar one, but it was told in a way that an “outsider” can understand the motivations behind what appears to be uncontrollable behaviors. It shines a light on the weaknesses in a system that is overloaded with unlucky kids who get exposed to increasingly bad situations.
This is a good read, tastefully managed despite the horrific subject matter. ( )