Publication Date: October 1, 2024
In 3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places, Cody Draco delivers a raw and haunting memoir of self-discovery, forbidden love, and the ache of unrequited affection. This evocative journey traces Cody’s tumultuous relationships with three pivotal figures in their life: a childhood stepbrother, a charismatic but unattainable boss, and a former high school teacher. Each “strike” exposes the vulnerability, passion, and longing that shaped Cody’s identity, from constant changes of residence to navigating the complexities of mental health and sexuality.
Told through a blend of brutally honest prose and strikingly intimate poetry, 3 Strikes explores the pain and beauty of loving those who can never fully love you back. With themes of self-acceptance, heartbreak, and resilience, this memoir is a profound reflection on the trials of queer love and the courage it takes to bloom into yourself—rooted in your own truth, even when love remains just out of reach.
For readers who are drawn to deeply personal narratives, 3 Strikes is a powerful reminder that some of the most transformative relationships are the ones we never quite forget, their echoes remain etched in our hearts and our brains for eternity.
3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places by Cody Draco is a short memoir about the author’s struggle to find his way in the world while looking for love. Through his heartfelt poems, Draco beautifully explores his sexuality and journey. The references to other writings and quotes in support of his feelings and thoughts are revealing.
How Draco reflects on his leaning towards being gay at such a young age with so much depth and detail was painful to read, especially given his depression and mental health issues. His honesty showed through in his truths and swept me into his turmoil. His love interests varied, and he seemed to know early on the type of partner he’d connect with best.
His early home life was chaotic, but his mother and sister were both always there for him, even if they didn’t know or understand the pain he often dealt with. This book was so emotional, i finished it in one sitting.
3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places is a memoir of less than one hundred pages that drew me in immediately. I could feel the author’s highs and lows, the depth of his despair, and his happiness when he allowed himself to be authentic.
Cody Draco is an author and poet residing in Orlando, Florida. He is currently studying to become a certified mental health technician in an effort to give back to the world in a meaningful way outside of his writing.
