Supercomputer (1984)

One of the first books I remember reading and enjoying. It introduced me reading in general and science fiction specifically. I've read other Choose Your Own Adventure titles and have enjoyed them, back when I was my reading tastes and preferences were in embryo.

Unlike a straight narrative that leads you from Point A to Point B, the CYOAs give the reader options in where he or she wants the story to go. (Compare this to the rarefied, literary "Hopscotch" by Julio Cortazar.) Before World of Warcraft and similar Massive Multi-Player Role Playing Games, this is what we had to do to amuse ourselves. This book represents a precursor to collaborative narrative and the "playful" means to tell a story.

Even with the rise of the Interwebs and realistic graphics and cut-scenes, I would recommend that people still pick up a CYOA and enjoy an adventure you can make all your own. They are probably less expensive than those WoW expansion packs and such. ( )