Coriolanus

Author: William Shakespeare

Quote: What's the matter, you dissentious rogues That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?

Why you should read this book: Coriolanus is a fearless warrior on the battlefield, and an uptight snob at home; maybe it's his mother's fault for raising him that way, or maybe it's his wife's fault for not voicing her opinions, or maybe people don't understand him, or maybe he's just a jerk. When his attitude turns enough of his countrymen against him, Coriolanus decides his greatest enemy is the only honorable man he knows, and joins the other side to make war on his own people. One of Shakespeare's more hopeless tragedies, Coriolanus tells the story of what happens to men who honor valor over love, take themselves way too seriously, and betray everyone with misguided efforts to stay true to themselves.

Why you shouldn't read this book: While it's a very tight and focused play, with some great battles, this book is just not a lot of fun.