Weird book settings: anybody else do this?

In My Humble Opinion
1

A long time ago it occurred to me that I do something strange when I read books. At least I think it’s strange–maybe other folks do it too and they just don’t talk about it. That’s what this post is for: to ask. :slight_smile:

So here’s what I do: I’ll be reading along in a story and gradually realize that I’m setting it (picturing it in my mind) in some place familiar to me that has nothing whatsoever to do with the story. For example, I once read a story where I placed the main character’s apartment inside the small medical complex where my spousal unit gets his allergy shots. The weird part about the whole thing is that many times this association won’t bubble to the top of my consciousness until I actually go to the place in question, and inexplicably be reminded of the story. Then I’ll make the connection between the two. While I’m actually reading the story these strange associations don’t even faze me–I can place a Star Trek story at the corner department store and it all just makes sense in my head.

I’ve done this for as long as I can remember, certainly since I was a little kid.

So am I weird, or am I not alone? (I realize the two aren’t mutually exclusive) :slight_smile:

2

I thought I was the only one who did this.

I’ve pictured a character’s house (can’t remember the series, but it was a set of mystery stories where the main character’s father was a scientist) as my old elementary school (one-floor, stark 60’s architecture - his room was my 4th grade classroom, complete with blackboard), even though his house was well-described in the book.

3

Even though it’s been oh, about 13 years, I still picture most people living in the last house I lived in, when I read.

Strange.

4

I believe this is merely a facet of the, “All guitar players just rip off other guitar players’ licks” sort of syndrome.

5

I usually set the books either in some place I have lived in or at least been familiar with. I always felt I was being lazy or or lacking in imagination. I had no idea other people did this. I’m not so lame after all!

6

I often picture places as those that i know, decorated differently. I once realized that that I view prisons as my grandmother’s house! gasp!

7

Hmm… I usually imagine a new setting, however I can based on the descriptions in the book. If they’re derived from anything it’s probably most commonly stuff I’ve seen in movies.

In a similar vein, though, just about all of my dreams take place either at my mom’s house, my old elementary school, or my high school, regardless of the actual setting. Mall? Hospital? Offices? doesn’t matter. They are at my elementary school. Chase scenes? Dodging playground equipment. Often, I find that I’m being pursued across the roof of my high school…
…hmm… this gives me a thread idea.