About Nick Rato
Nick Rato was born in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, the youngest of four boys in a large Italian-American family. Raised with old-world values and strict discipline, Nick's early years were shaped by both love and hardship. His formative experiences—marked by bullying, abuse, and family tensions—left deep emotional scars that followed him well into adulthood.
After marrying and settling in upstate New York, Nick spent decades working through the damage of his past. Therapy, self-reflection, and the unwavering support of his wife helped him find a path forward.
Now in his 60s, Nick has turned to writing to share what he’s learned. The Laundromat is his debut novel: a powerful, semi-autobiographical story of trauma, redemption, and human connection. He dedicates the book especially to those graduating from high school—young people struggling with the impact of bullying, unsure how to carry their pain into adulthood.
Nick’s message is clear: there may be no “cure” for what we endure, but healing and change are possible. His writing offers both a mirror and a map—for those ready to reclaim their lives and rewrite their stories.