Description

A darkly humorous memoir-in-essays that takes a sharp look at the illusion of the American Dream and the lengths one must go to survive in Florida, from the award-winning author of *High-Risk Homosexual.*

“Relatable, funny, and deeply heartfelt, this memoir is one not to miss.” —*Today*

“Edgar Gomez is a young writer of deep talent and enormous grace.” —James McBride, *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store*

A most anticipated book of the year: *Today, The Millions, Paste*

Growing up in Florida, one of the first survival lessons Edgar Gomez learned was how to escape a wild alligator—run in zigzags. This piece of advice became a guiding principle in his life.

Like the night his mother had a stroke while he and his brother stood frozen at the foot of her bed, too afraid to call an ambulance they couldn’t afford. He retreated into denial, telling himself nothing was wrong. Zig. Or later, as a broke college student, kneeling to fit sandals on sweaty tourists’ feet for minimum wage at the Flip Flop Shop. After work, he and his tight-knit group of queer, Latinx, working-class friends changed outfits in each other’s car seats, racing toward the sanctuary of Pulse nightclub. Zag. From committing minor bankruptcy fraud to afford veneers to making ends meet by giving massages to closeted men on vacation, Gomez and his friends survived by constantly shifting, always adapting. Zig. Zag. But eventually, even the fastest legs tire out.

*Alligator Tears* is a bold and unflinching memoir that explores Gomez’s relentless pursuit to lift his family out of poverty by any means necessary. It challenges the myth of the humble poor person—the idea that those struggling should endure in silence, waiting for success that may never come. For anyone chasing the American Dream or disillusioned by it, Gomez’s journey is a powerful testament to carving out love, purpose, and community on your own terms—grinning wide, even if your teeth aren’t real.