Top of the World is a dramatic character study of people at emotional crossroads in their lives. After Hal dies in a plane crash prematurely at the age of fifty-nine, his son, Gregg, inherits the mountain cabin and guest house. When Gregg goes to the cabin to settle his father's affairs, he finds his father's girlfriend, Susie, living there. Gregg invites some of his old friends up to the cabin for Thanksgiving to join he and Susie. This beautiful mountain setting allows the group to examine their individual relationships and personal problems. Together they all help each other find choices that will enable them to move forward with their lives.

One couple gets engaged, one couple separates and Gregg rekindles his desire to continue a writing career. Gregg was estranged from his father prior to his death. He has trouble both expressing his grief and relating to Susie, a woman who, while being Gregg's peer, was his father's lover. Susie sees a lot of simularity between Gregg and his father. She eventually is able to share her grief with Gregg and bridge the gap between them.