There are more than enough books out there to sharpen minds and that make for great conversation that don't deal with sensitive subjects.

Shakespeare-- murder, suicide. The Scarlet Letter-- adultery. Lord of the Flies-- murder, death of an authority figure, anarchy. Of Mice and Men-- murder. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest-- murder, forced lobotomy.

These are all English class staples and rightfully so. I'm really curious as to which books you're talking about above, because most any of the ones I really enjoy now and/or read in high school did deal with 'sensitive subjects'.