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I'm 56. I first discovered these in maybe 1980 or 81? These books were foundational to my sense of creativity, and expectations of entertainment. I had discovered D&D the year prior, and this was fuel to the fire. To this day, when I'm bored, I create my own adventure, and don't rely on computers, film, books, etc... these books taught me how to become self-sufficient and self-entertaining. Funny, the same year I also discovered Douglas Adams and I think Gary Numan's Cars was still on KC Kasem's top 20. 1979-1982: genesis of identity.

Also, this was the last good incarnation of the trope I'd seen in a while: https://www.cracked.com/blog/choose-your-own-adventure-on-dr...