The Chair and the Valley

In "The Chair and The Valley," Banning Lyon recounts his harrowing journey following a false diagnosis that lands him in a psychiatric hospital for 353 days. As he navigates his fraught family relationships, mistreatment, and a subsequent lawsuit, Banning seeks to understand his trauma. The memoir highlights his struggles and victories, including being adopted by his mentor, finding love, and ultimately discovering purpose as a backpacking guide in Yosemite National Park. Through themes of chosen family and the healing power of nature, Banning illustrates the resilience needed to rebuild life after adversity.