Just Above My Head explores themes of love, identity, and family connections through the intertwined lives of the Montana and Miller families. Hall Montana narrates the story of his younger brother Arthur, a celebrated gospel singer whose untimely death prompts a journey into the past. Through Hall’s recollections, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of familial love and the search for meaning.

The Beginning of a Journey

The novel opens with Hall Montana grappling with the sudden death of his brother Arthur, who passed away at thirty-nine in a London restaurant's basement restroom. Arthur, known for his vibrant performances and being an unapologetic homosexual, leaves a profound void in Hall's life. As the elder brother, Hall finds himself revisiting memories that paint a vivid picture of Arthur's life and their shared experiences, revealing how Arthur's insights reshaped his understanding of love and existence. By the fifth book, Hall labels his narrative "a love song to my brother," underscoring the spiritual and emotional growth he gained from Arthur.

Early Connections and Tragedies

Hall recounts the early days when the Montanas met the Millers, a bond sparked when Arthur, then thirteen, encountered Julia Miller preaching at their Pentecostal church. Julia, a prodigious evangelist at just eleven, and her brother Jimmy, a budding musician, captured the Montanas' attention. The Miller children's precocious talents, however, could not shield them from tragedy, as their mother Amy passed away soon after their families became acquainted. This loss set off a chain of unsettling events, including Julia's disturbing and ongoing affair with her father, Joel.

Arthur's Musical Path and Personal Struggles

In his teenage years, Arthur joined a gospel quartet, the Trumpets of Zion, embarking on a journey that was both musical and personal. During this time, he developed a romantic relationship with Crunch, a fellow musician. This affair forced Arthur to confront his feelings about his sexuality, ultimately helping him accept his identity. Even after the group's dissolution following a tour in the South, Arthur pursued his musical career, carrying forward lessons learned from this period of his life.

Unraveling Paths

Julia's life took a darker turn as she abandoned her preaching at fourteen to engage in her father's incestuous advances. The narrative unfolds to reveal a brief encounter with Crunch during his military service in New York, resulting in Julia's pregnancy. Her father’s violent reaction to the discovery led to a traumatic miscarriage, marking a turning point in her young life.

Shifting Tides

Years later, Hall, newly returned from his military service in Korea, found himself in San Francisco, yet yearning for connections from his past. A visit to New York reignites his relationship with Julia, now a captivating model, and their romance briefly flourishes. As Hall entertains thoughts of marriage, Julia chooses a different path, venturing to Abidjan in West Africa and embarking on a new affair with an African chieftain, leaving Hall to confront his abandonment.

A Tumultuous Era

Heartbroken, Hall joins Arthur on a southern tour, shadowed by racial tensions that defined the era. Accompanied by Peanuts, another Trumpets of Zion member, their travels take a grim turn when Peanuts mysteriously vanishes, likely a victim of the racial unrest pervading the 1960s. This poignant experience leaves an indelible mark on Hall, shaping his future decisions.

New Beginnings

Returning to New York, Hall redirects his life by working for a black magazine and marrying Ruth, with whom he has two children, Tony and Odessa. Meanwhile, Arthur's journey leads him to Paris, where he encounters Guy Lazar, a French businessman who helps him reconcile his internal conflicts regarding his sexuality and...