Love hurts lit helps : how English class can teach teens to improve their relationships friendships and communities Through discussions of literature assessment ideas teaching anecdotes and student insights this book outlines how a rigorous and relevant English class can also heal empower and provide wisdom for teens weathering social turbulence. Widely taught novels brim with lessons about courtship love heartbreak sexuality bonds and belonging. Learning to tell stories reflect argue speak confidently and listen critically gives students necessary tools for self expression advocacy and empathy in a world that too often feels unsafe and bereft of compassion Of mice and men Othello The odyssey Hamlet Beloved (More) Contemporary selections : Jennifer Egan Junot Diaz and Sandra Cisneros Storytelling reflection and argument Speaking and listening.