wombatjenni's review

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5.0

As a fellow urban hiker I just love, love the Seattle Walk Report books. Secret Seattle is adorably illustrated, and I learned a lot about Seattle's history through its less-commonly-observed architectural features, such as the coal chutes that I now need to go and track down in the neighborhood! And the brick stamps! The sidewalk prisms! And although I'm fairly familiar with even the smallest of parks in my immediate neighborhoods, there were a couple listed a little further out that I had never heard of, and can't wait to go meander in.

Secret Seattle is a wonderful little guide to any locals or tourists who want to have a slightly more offbeat experience in walking through the city and getting to know nooks and crannies up close.

tuckysinclaire's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

sharonus's review

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adventurous funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

jjerrit's review

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informative lighthearted relaxing

5.0

thenaturelibrary's review

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4.0

Secret Seattle is an illustrated book about the history behind some hidden Seattle places, landmarks, and features written by Susanna Ryan, an avid walker who wrote The Seattle Walk Report, another illustrated book I read earlier this year.

This book differentiates itself from The Seattle Walk Report by diving more into particular places such as the Montlake spite house, an apartment at the top of Smith Tower, and how there was an artist in residence program to stay in some of Seattle's bridges, in addition to learning more about the history of Seattle features such as coal chutes, manhole covers, sidewalk cement branding, and bubble lamps.

At the end of the book, Susanna Ryan showcases some places folks can go to do their own research on Seattle area history, which were resources that she used to write the book! I definitely would recommend for anyone living in the Seattle area.

aus10england's review

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funny informative lighthearted

4.5

Another amazing book by the Seattle Walk Report! This is truly a love letter to Seattle, and all it's fascinating history. I'm going to go on a walk now.

amandagracereads's review

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funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

roganshannon's review

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adventurous informative lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

I really enjoyed this, because there were several things that I already knew because I’ve lived in Washington for a long time. However, I’m not all that knowledgeable about Seattle and its history, so this was a great way of learning about that aspect of Seattle. I certainly added some things to my list of things to do and see here! I think this would be a great read if you’re a local or planning to visit the city and explore, or have a love for this city.

ericaegg's review

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adventurous funny informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed learning about Seattle history and how I can experience it by walking. This has inspired many outdoor adventures in my future. 

moehrke's review

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5.0

Such a fantastic book to learn more about fun Seattle history!!!