Cover of the book "The Laundromat: A Memoir" by Nick Rato, featuring silhouettes of two people, one sitting and one standing, against a background of washing machine images.

The Laundromat by Nick Rato

Nick has everything he thought he wanted: a loving wife, grown children, a quiet life. But childhood trauma and haunting memories begin to surface—especially during weekly visits to the laundromat. There, he meets Nicholas, a silent teen with unseen wounds. Their bond forces Nick to confront his past. The Laundromat is a moving story of trauma, redemption, bullying, love, and the quiet power of human connection.

Welcome to the Nike Rato website
Author of The Laundromat

Born in Brooklyn and now based in upstate New York, Nick draws on a lifetime of experience to tell deeply personal, redemptive stories. His debut novel, The Laundromat, explores the lingering trauma of bullying and abuse, the fragility of identity, and the healing power of human connection. Raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful, the book offers strength and guidance for anyone navigating the long shadow of their past—especially those emerging from adolescence into adulthood. If you’ve ever felt broken, silenced, or stuck, this story is for you.