3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places by Cody Draco

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 remaining etched in our hearts and minds for eternity.

Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+/Own Voices • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+

Content Warning: Mature content.