In 1899, author Allie Rowbottom's great-great-great-uncle purchased the patent to Jell-O $450. 450 dollars in the 19th century was a tidy sum, about 15,000 in today's money, but compared to the sales that were coming it was one of the great fleeces in American history. The Jell-O family became wealthy and privileged, but they were also haunted by suicides, cancer, and alcoholism. When her mother was diagnosed with the same cancer that had claimed her grandmother, Allie Rowbottom began to research her family. Were they cursed? In this family history, Rowbottom examines her family, motherhood, and the American psyche itself.(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)