The Spin Cycle

by Robyn Stecher

Sometimes, friendships grow in the most unexpected places and with the most unlikely people. For Benji, a young man discovering his identity while struggling with life’s hardships, that unlikely bond is formed within a humble, neighborhood laundromat. There, amidst the hum of machines and the scent of detergent, he meets the eccentric older man who owns The Spin Cycle. What begins as a chance encounter soon turns into a life-changing friendship that alters Benji’s path in ways he never imagined.

260 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2026

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

👥Grew on me🙂

3.5-4🌟 stars
I liked the way this author uses the POV of a young special needs man with hearing, mobility and some social issues as it relates an unusual friendship established between him and the frail, senior owner of the neighborhood laundrette. The writing is straightforward and easy; I thought it reflected the mindset of the young Benji character as he negotiates a world often stressful and stacked against him. It took quite a while for the plot to build and meandered a bit, but as young Benji faces problems at work and with his girlfriend, then danger and a potential rift with Bo, my interest grew. And throughout, Benji's innocent connection with Bo, a man who survived a horrible childhood and abandonment by his family, a real survivor.

I wasn't certain at the start, but in the end I was glad I'd found this story.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Gerald Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally an action, thrillers reader, so a quiet, character-driven story isn't usually my groove but The Spin Cycle won me over. Robyn Stecher weaves an intimate and relatable story around what happens when someone truly see you. Benji and Bo are an unlikely pair, and the little laundromat that brings them together becomes more like a refuge. It's a warm and generous story I didn’t realize how much I needed till I got into the book. It reminds you how one act of kindness can bend the course of a life. If you enjoy unique story's about people still being kind to one another. This is your book.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a free copy from NetGalley and I'm willingly leaving a review, DNF, stopped at 61%, p.158.
Too much abuse from the part of the so-called girlfriend Britany; Benji is worth so much more than how she treats him. His relationship with Bo is a bit weird. Everything is going slow, super slow. And there are many repeats, sometimes 4-5 times. If you don't like swearing, you won't be happy reading this. This book is not a good fit for me.

[Julie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the fact it centered around “special” people. Special Education students aren’t dumb or stupid and this book showcases their unique personalities. One person can make a difference. One act of kindness can change outcomes. One person who sees you does change your world. I highly recommend this book if you want a feel good story.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

kinda sappy

The writing seems either amateurish or done by an AI bot. Stilted and odd descriptions and sentence structure. But an okay read to pass some time. I won the Kindle copy from the author via Goodreads, so am thankful for the free book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really charming book that exceeded my expectations