I dunno if anyone else reads this way, but some stories have a definite soundtrack to me. A good measure of quality is the type of music that plays in my head during a reading, which is odd, since I don't listen to music that much.
Moby Dick, without a doubt, had the most varied soundtrack. Sometimes it was just the soft hissing surf and crying gulls of an Ingmar Bergman film. Other times I had the "whale of a tale" song from the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea movie stuck in my head. During a few moments that old plot shanty from the host sketch of Mystery Science Theater 3000 Presents: Mighty Jack popped into my head (a nautical-style accordian tune entitled "Slow the Plot Down"). The whole thing burst into full-scale broadway musical during the "Midnight, Forecastle" chapter, complete with a bouncy underbeat and everyone clearing off as the scenery rolls up and curtains close. Whatever professor Robertson says, it seems like a textbook case of Big Lipped Alligator Moment to me.
Frankenstein had an awesome soundtrack. There were some soft, mysterious moments, with a haunting tune, maybe like the Wanderer theme from the new Dr. Who. Further into the story I encountered a lot of the theme music from the "Gargoyles" animated serial, interspersed with Carmina Burana music of the kind used to make trailers seem Epic and Awesome.
The first section of paradise lost we read had a strong backdrop, almost-screen-saver esque, just flickering midnight flames and a low crackling fire noise that was powerfully evocative.
Some books don't quite have a soundtrack though. I didn't get any musical accompaniment to Robinson Crusoe or Gulliver's Travels. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" remains likewise silent except for a few low, isolated, electric guitar chords during the pan-away description of Death's house.
Anyone else have movie-soundtrack experiences with books?
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