"A senior editor at Mother Jones dives into the lives of the extremely rich, showing the fascinating, otherworldly realm they inhabit--and the insidious ways this realm harms us all"-- Striking it rich is among the most resilient of American fantasies; we dream of the jackpot, the life-altering payday, in whatever form that takes. But rarely do we follow the fantasy to its conclusion: to ponder the social, psychological, and societal downsides of great affluence and the fact that so few possess it. Featuring dozens of interviews with fortunate citizens, Mechanic shares a compassionate, character-rich, perversely humorous, and ultimately troubling journey into the American wealth fantasy and where it has taken us. -- adapted from jacket Provided by publisher.

Jackpot -- Retail therapy -- The one -- From the elite to the impossible -- Entourage -- The psychology of consumption -- Losing trust -- The marriage premium -- My bodyguard -- The offspring -- Getting in -- Losing touch -- Capital Hill -- The snow ball grows -- Dynasty -- Who wants to have it all? -- Thriving while black -- Women on top -- Giving it away -- Perfect storm.