New Bedford Whaling Museum Hosts 'Moby Dick' Marathon

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — The New Bedford Whaling Museum is holding its 19th annual "Moby-Dick" Marathon this weekend, but this year's event has a twist.

For the first time, the annual reading of the American classic will include an event just for children.

Marathon organizers tell The Standard-Times that about 20 children have signed up to read an abridged version of Herman Melville's book from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday.

The nonstop, cover-to-cover adult reading begins at noon Saturday and usually takes about 25 hours

English visiting author Philip Hoare will start the reading, some of which will be held at the nearby Seamen's Bethel, made famous in the novel as the Whaleman's Chapel.

Hundreds of people, from Melville scholars to ordinary people, attend.

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