Instruct: Classify a given Amazon review as either positive or negative.
Query: Disappointing First Read

The cover said "N.Y. Times Bestselling author," and "characters are real and endearing," so I was expecting a well crafted book. Unfortunately, I felt the characters were shallow stereotypes, with some bordering on the down-right silly. The plot was contrived and felt as if the author could not decide between writing serious drama, or farce, while the "death by shower" incident stretched my credibility to the breaking point. I am not likely to choose another book by this author.