Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: Mostly a collection of boring, pointless stories.

My daughter was assigned this book over the summer for her IB English class so I read it along with her. I enjoyed reading the rest of her assigned books: "Pride & Predjudice," "Travels w/Charlie" and "Frankenstein," but have to say that BASS of 2006 was PAINFUL to get through. I admit to a preference for novels and might expect a bit more from short stories. These short story authors may know some of the mechanics of writing, but, with very few exceptions, don't have a compelling story to tell. There is nothing like an O. Henry or "Incident at Owl Creek Bridge" among them - no plot twists, no surprises, nothing to make a story memorable. I don't blame Ms. Kenison for giving up! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Welcome to the Monkey House" by Kurt Vonnegut or "Jump" by Nadine Gordimer. There you will find stories that surprise and amuse you.