Reviewed by Scarlett Jensen for Readers' Favorite

Cody Draco's 3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places tells the story of his life after his parents’ divorce. He was 8 years old and, in the absence of his father, sought validation and affection in inappropriate ways by exploring his budding, out-of-control masculinity and boyhood curiosity. Cody and B had a secret lights-out ritual. B became very paranoid about being found out, while Cody was obsessed with B. Through the years, Cody battled to reconcile his feelings and formally identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. His emotions and self-loathing became unbearable because of not being involved in a committed relationship with B. Cody was angry, had suicidal thoughts, and attempted to drown himself. He grappled with depression and his sexuality. Hunting for love in safe zones did not make him feel alive the way B did. B’s denial of him was the catalyst of his rebellion on the road to self-destruction. He became involved in using more alcohol and marijuana and lost himself in an attempt to fix his repeatedly broken heart. The love he wanted to experience could only exist in an inert connection. It was then that he decided he needed to come out of the closet or he was going to die suffocating inside.

In 3 Strikes: Finding Love in Forbidden Places, Cody Draco's message to the reader is that one needs to revisit the past from time to time, clearly define long-term needs, and, step-by-step, evolve in the direction that makes one feel fulfilled. Societal judgments will make one stumble over self-perception and create uncertainties. Cody did not stop searching for something extraordinary and life-changing. Today, in his late twenties, he is proudly manifesting his love freely and fully. I admire Cody for documenting his life with such brutal honesty. Every word came from his soul in search of love. His exploration of memories became this memoir. Cody included some of his poems and graced the end of this memoir with a poem transmuting his pain of repeatedly not being chosen in love into a source of inspiration for himself and others to continue blossoming. This memoir has the potential to show others in similar situations that they should never give up and should not feel ashamed of their true feelings. I highly recommend reading this memoir filled with passion and written to live with no regrets.