When J. K. Rowling, author of the hugely popular Harry Potter books, came to visit O, The Oprah Magazine last fall, we weren't sure what to expect. Rowling answered our questions about everyone's favorite wizard, the magic of reading and her own most-loved books. At the top of her list is The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by acclaimed Irish writer Roddy Doyle. This unflinching novel chronicles a woman's relationship with a violent man in a way that brings fresh insight to the subject—and, far from being a punishing read, it is surprisingly engaging and uplifting.