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Windows on Washington Square
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 31, 2026
Windows on Washington Square is a love letter to Charleston, written by Mayor Riley, our beloved mayor for forty years! He championed his hometown of Charleston, SC into one of the most beloved international cities! His commitment to preservation, was instrumental in restoring and beautifying downtown Charleston with a keen eye for detail. Every little decision was made with care, craft and consideration for a city with outward beauty and pride while respecting its complicated and layered history.
His leadership helped create the Spoleto Festival, the South Carolina Aquarium and most recently, an International African American Museum build on sacred ground. His vision and hard work helped rebuild downtown Charleston into the vibrant and beautiful city it is today! Riley worked tirelessly building bridges between different communities and giving everyone a voice.
He navigated two national tragedies with grit and grace. He build partnerships and built bridges between community members across all areas. Each decision was made in creating and cultivating a world class city that would stand the test of time! He is beloved in his city and around the country for his dedication and his innovation. Riley is a trailblazer! His brilliant memoir is written in his distinct voice and captures his love of Charleston and most importantly his love for the people who call it home. A treasure!
His leadership helped create the Spoleto Festival, the South Carolina Aquarium and most recently, an International African American Museum build on sacred ground. His vision and hard work helped rebuild downtown Charleston into the vibrant and beautiful city it is today! Riley worked tirelessly building bridges between different communities and giving everyone a voice.
He navigated two national tragedies with grit and grace. He build partnerships and built bridges between community members across all areas. Each decision was made in creating and cultivating a world class city that would stand the test of time! He is beloved in his city and around the country for his dedication and his innovation. Riley is a trailblazer! His brilliant memoir is written in his distinct voice and captures his love of Charleston and most importantly his love for the people who call it home. A treasure!
July 25, 2026
one of the best books I have read, hands down. It was absolutely fascinating to hear about mayor Riley’s journey through his childhood in Charleston to his amazing tenure as major of the city. Similar to “the first eight,” I find it such an honor to learn about the history of Charleston, and read about streets and locations that I’m on every single day!!! Reading this book was an amazing reminder of the roots of this city, built on connection and culture blended together. I thank mayor Riley for his efforts, and I hope I get to meet him some day around town ❤️
I wish he had talked more about the recent culture change in Charleston, but i can understand he is not mayor anymore!
I wish he had talked more about the recent culture change in Charleston, but i can understand he is not mayor anymore!
May 23, 2026
Charleston owes more to this man than anyone else in its recent history. It would not be anything remotely resembling what it is today without him.
The book rambles a bit when describing his childhood but it is a very interesting first hand account of the transformation of Charleston during his 40 year tenure as mayor. I wish he had talked some about gentrification and some of the other downsides of that transformation but all in all it is a very good memoir.
The book rambles a bit when describing his childhood but it is a very interesting first hand account of the transformation of Charleston during his 40 year tenure as mayor. I wish he had talked some about gentrification and some of the other downsides of that transformation but all in all it is a very good memoir.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews