Forest of Fear

The Choose Your Own Adventure series offered an option every few pages to choose how the story would continue. According to your preference, you would follow its instructions by turning to the appropriate page of the book as indicated by your choice. This was a popular and revolutionary idea when the series was first launched in the early 1980s, driving it to incredible sales levels for many years until it was overshadowed by variants on the idea that took the concept to more elaborate lengths (e.g. Fighting Fantasy) and especially by other interactive media.

The plot: you get to hang out in an old ranger station with your uncle, a wooden tower looming high above the forest. The rest is just gravy after that, but involves a sacred pine show more tree and spirits in the woods.

Observations: if you're only going to read one series entry with a plot that centres on 'Indian' legends and curses (there's a few of them), this should be the one. Forty years later the series still makes me wince over how often the pejorative term "Indian" pops up, but Louise Munro Foley can always be counted upon to respect her subject matter.

Personal memories: this was the perfect choice to bring on a camping trip. show less