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A Cold Piece of Work
A Cold Piece of Work offers the most rare a contemporary man revealing the depths of his emotions, vulnerabilities and flaws. Essence No. 1 bestselling author Curtis Bunn boldly brings the reader on an unfettered, organic journey that lends honest, raw perspective and provides the how and why men act as they do in relationships. It is a compelling and revealing story that captures the soul of a troubled man, his weaknesses and his emotional growth in a way that enlightens, teaches and entertains.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2011
8 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Curtis Bunn
15 books51 followersCurtis Bunn, a Washington, D.C. native and graduate of Norfolk State University, is an Essence No. 1 best-selling author whose ability to expose the mind, thoughts, motivations and vulnerabilities of his characters has made him a reader’s favorite.
In his latest offering, “A Cold Piece of Work” (July 2011, Strebor Books), Curtis again delivers an engaging work in an original story that takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey. Solomon Singletary is an ideal catch — except that he finds it more satisfying to leave women than to please them — and sometimes after pleasing them. Years later, he encounters one of his “victims,” and immediately realizes he made a serious mistake. His mission then is to recapture Michele Williams’ heart, thinking reuniting with her would turn his cold heart warm. The odyessy features surprising subplots and twists that keeps the pages turning.
In 2001, Curtis crafted his first novel, “Baggage Check” and watched in amazement as it became a word-of-mouth national success. The audacious, moving and funny story of Greg, Larry and Julian blossomed into a must-read for women and book clubs who sought a genuine peak into the psyche of men. Significantly, men embraced the book as an accurate depiction of their mindset, motivations and conflicts. It debuted as No. 2 on the Essence best-sellers list and It was on the list for five months, including ascending to No. 1 in August of 2001.
In 2009, Curtis self-published “That Was Then This Is Now,” the much-anticipated followup to “Baggage Check” and it is another literary achievement, a virtual tour inside the minds of men. Amid the realistic and engaging plots and subplots, you discover the motivations of the male characters as they contend with true-life relationship issues; their innermost thoughts about women and how to deal with them; and insightful male personality idiosyncrasies – vantage points that educate and entertain at once. As you go on this riveting odyssey with Larry, Julian and Greg, you will laugh, you will cry and . . . you will learn. And you will definitely want more.
Just as with its predecessor, this sequel is written with deft prose and and honest, raw insight. It is a triumph that begs for another follow up entry.
Meeting with book clubs to discuss “Baggage Check” inspired Curtis to create the National Book Club Conference in 2003. It became such a strong coming together of readers and authors that he was named to the “Power List” by Black Issues Book Review Magazine. Now, the NBCC is the must-attend literary event of the year.
Curtis also contributed the short story, “Home Alone” in the anthology, “After Hours: Black Men Writing On Erotica.”
The Journalist: As a sports journalist, Curtis worked for The Washington Times, New York Newsday, New York Daily News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the New Jersey Nets for three years, the New York Knicks for eight years, two Olympics (Seoul, Korea in 1988 and Sydney, Australia 200), 17 NBA Finals, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, four World Series, championship boxing, college football bowl games, six Masters golf championships and so much more. He has been awarded for his writing by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, The Associated Press Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists numerous times.
The Professor: Since 2008, Curtis has served as an adjunct professor/guest lecturer at Morehouse College in the Sports Reporting class, which is part of the Journalism and Sports Program founded by film director Spike Lee and the late, great journalist Ralph WIley.
Curtis, who lives near Atlanta, has a son, Curt, and a daughter, Gwen (Bunny), www.gwenbunn.com.
In his latest offering, “A Cold Piece of Work” (July 2011, Strebor Books), Curtis again delivers an engaging work in an original story that takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey. Solomon Singletary is an ideal catch — except that he finds it more satisfying to leave women than to please them — and sometimes after pleasing them. Years later, he encounters one of his “victims,” and immediately realizes he made a serious mistake. His mission then is to recapture Michele Williams’ heart, thinking reuniting with her would turn his cold heart warm. The odyessy features surprising subplots and twists that keeps the pages turning.
In 2001, Curtis crafted his first novel, “Baggage Check” and watched in amazement as it became a word-of-mouth national success. The audacious, moving and funny story of Greg, Larry and Julian blossomed into a must-read for women and book clubs who sought a genuine peak into the psyche of men. Significantly, men embraced the book as an accurate depiction of their mindset, motivations and conflicts. It debuted as No. 2 on the Essence best-sellers list and It was on the list for five months, including ascending to No. 1 in August of 2001.
In 2009, Curtis self-published “That Was Then This Is Now,” the much-anticipated followup to “Baggage Check” and it is another literary achievement, a virtual tour inside the minds of men. Amid the realistic and engaging plots and subplots, you discover the motivations of the male characters as they contend with true-life relationship issues; their innermost thoughts about women and how to deal with them; and insightful male personality idiosyncrasies – vantage points that educate and entertain at once. As you go on this riveting odyssey with Larry, Julian and Greg, you will laugh, you will cry and . . . you will learn. And you will definitely want more.
Just as with its predecessor, this sequel is written with deft prose and and honest, raw insight. It is a triumph that begs for another follow up entry.
Meeting with book clubs to discuss “Baggage Check” inspired Curtis to create the National Book Club Conference in 2003. It became such a strong coming together of readers and authors that he was named to the “Power List” by Black Issues Book Review Magazine. Now, the NBCC is the must-attend literary event of the year.
Curtis also contributed the short story, “Home Alone” in the anthology, “After Hours: Black Men Writing On Erotica.”
The Journalist: As a sports journalist, Curtis worked for The Washington Times, New York Newsday, New York Daily News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covering the New Jersey Nets for three years, the New York Knicks for eight years, two Olympics (Seoul, Korea in 1988 and Sydney, Australia 200), 17 NBA Finals, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, four World Series, championship boxing, college football bowl games, six Masters golf championships and so much more. He has been awarded for his writing by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, The Associated Press Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists numerous times.
The Professor: Since 2008, Curtis has served as an adjunct professor/guest lecturer at Morehouse College in the Sports Reporting class, which is part of the Journalism and Sports Program founded by film director Spike Lee and the late, great journalist Ralph WIley.
Curtis, who lives near Atlanta, has a son, Curt, and a daughter, Gwen (Bunny), www.gwenbunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 22, 2018
What an intriguing title.....and so on point! Solomon and Michelle tugged at my heart. They both were a “cold piece of work!” Each wrestled with opening themselves up for a second chance at love and yet, each had experiences from childhood that crippled and damaged their attempts. I loved each because of their flaws and their desire to get it right. Personal choices, different viewpoints and not taking responsibility for various outcomes united as well as threatened to tear them apart. Each had to learn significant things in order to restore a love that was lost.
The delivery of the information was told and written in such a way to help the reader to see a number of things. First, the strongest and most enduring relationship takes lots of work. Philosophically, we know this but, it is always tempting to retreat and guard our hearts that sometimes this is ignored or downplayed.
Secondly, knowingly or unknowingly, we fall victim to the fact that our mates cannot and shouldn’t be expected to read our minds. This viewpoint is something that is developed as a child; as an adult we are responsible for communicating our feelings. But, when hurt or threatened, we shut down and on occasion, shut others out.
Every one needs a Sonya or Ray in their lives. If this type of friend is lacking.....seek him/seek her. In their own supportive way....they are forever present without prying. The Sonya and Ray’s give you doses of reality. They help us to see that it is not the fighting that destroys relationships but it’s when we neglect to put the work in to resolve them.
Curtis Bunn did his thing with this book. The work never lost its appeal. While each had individuals that they could truly talk to....I would have loved their pride and stubbornness to lead them to therapy. They had been suffering for a long time and carrying heavy burdens. Parenthood, past indiscretions and a desire to rekindle and build together almost cost them everything. Couples therapy could have been that additive in helping them to better address some of the issues that almost tore them apart.
The delivery of the information was told and written in such a way to help the reader to see a number of things. First, the strongest and most enduring relationship takes lots of work. Philosophically, we know this but, it is always tempting to retreat and guard our hearts that sometimes this is ignored or downplayed.
Secondly, knowingly or unknowingly, we fall victim to the fact that our mates cannot and shouldn’t be expected to read our minds. This viewpoint is something that is developed as a child; as an adult we are responsible for communicating our feelings. But, when hurt or threatened, we shut down and on occasion, shut others out.
Every one needs a Sonya or Ray in their lives. If this type of friend is lacking.....seek him/seek her. In their own supportive way....they are forever present without prying. The Sonya and Ray’s give you doses of reality. They help us to see that it is not the fighting that destroys relationships but it’s when we neglect to put the work in to resolve them.
Curtis Bunn did his thing with this book. The work never lost its appeal. While each had individuals that they could truly talk to....I would have loved their pride and stubbornness to lead them to therapy. They had been suffering for a long time and carrying heavy burdens. Parenthood, past indiscretions and a desire to rekindle and build together almost cost them everything. Couples therapy could have been that additive in helping them to better address some of the issues that almost tore them apart.
May 28, 2021
Just Okay
Too much preaching and reliance upon simplistic solutions for societies complex problems.
With caveats, buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Too much preaching and reliance upon simplistic solutions for societies complex problems.
With caveats, buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
January 5, 2012
Typically when I'm looking for new books, I either go on the strength and reputation of the author or how much the summary piques my interest (or both). I went with the latter in this case, since I had never heard of the author. But it intrigued me, the summary did, so I thought it would be a good read and a nice introduction to this author's work.
This was one instance when this instinct failed me. I'm not going to go so far as to say the book was bad, because I don't think it was, but I will say that, for me, it just didn't hold my attention. There seemed to be a few too many long speeches by the characters (for lack of a better way of putting it) and after a while, I'm sad to say, it just bored me. It got to where I was only reading it because I bought it and at least wanted to get to the end, but pretty soon I just gave up. I carried that book around in my purse for months, and really only read it when I was in the john. Usually, if I love a book, I'll go so far as to sneak and read it at work because it's just that good and I'm anxious to see what happens next. I never reached that point with 'A Cold Piece of Work.' I like the concept and the idea of it, and it started out okay, but it just kind of got mundane after a while, almost like it was repetitive, in a way. I hated to, but I just put the book down for good.
This isn't to say I wouldn't be open to seeing more work from Mr. Bunn in the future, but in this case, 'A Cold Piece of Work' just never quite heated up for me.
This was one instance when this instinct failed me. I'm not going to go so far as to say the book was bad, because I don't think it was, but I will say that, for me, it just didn't hold my attention. There seemed to be a few too many long speeches by the characters (for lack of a better way of putting it) and after a while, I'm sad to say, it just bored me. It got to where I was only reading it because I bought it and at least wanted to get to the end, but pretty soon I just gave up. I carried that book around in my purse for months, and really only read it when I was in the john. Usually, if I love a book, I'll go so far as to sneak and read it at work because it's just that good and I'm anxious to see what happens next. I never reached that point with 'A Cold Piece of Work.' I like the concept and the idea of it, and it started out okay, but it just kind of got mundane after a while, almost like it was repetitive, in a way. I hated to, but I just put the book down for good.
This isn't to say I wouldn't be open to seeing more work from Mr. Bunn in the future, but in this case, 'A Cold Piece of Work' just never quite heated up for me.
February 27, 2012
A smart, insightful view into the mind, heart and soul of a contemporary man. A must-read novel. "A book you won't forget," a reviewer on amazon.com wrote.
September 4, 2022
This book started off a little slow but I rather enjoyed it. It tackled a lot of things but the biggest was trust. Trust in your friendships...trust in your relationships...trust in yourself. Solomon is this serial bachelor who has dealt with a lot of heartache from relationships in the past. So he straps on his armour, is very honest with the women he beds and builds his roster but there is one lady who captures his heart and then he goes and disappears on her. I am just going to say the Lord works in mysterious ways and inflicts growth on Solomon as a man and within his heart. #GiveItARead
October 31, 2019
A VERY INTERESTING BOOK.👌
May 30, 2016
A Cold Piece of Work is an interesting tale on relationships and redemption from a man’s prospective. You meet the main character Solomon Singletary who has hurt many women in his day. Opportunity arises where the one woman he has hurt; Michele Williams shows back up in his life through a third party. Once Solomon is truthful with himself, he realizes it is the one woman he still loves.
How does one seek redemption and forgiveness when there are so many unanswered questions as to how and why? It is battle that you will see both Solomon and Michele experience. Solomon opens up his heart and his mind to his truths. The question is will the couple be able to move on?
The author does a great job of exposing Solomon Singletary as a hurt man. He gives us a raw and honest look at how some men view relationships, family, and love. Men also get a look into how sometimes, as women, it is not easy for us to forgive and forget because you want us to.
You will go through a range of emotions except disappointment as you read the drama that unfolds on these pages. Each character’s role was well -developed and realistic. This is definitely a book that opens up discussions in book clubs or male/female relationship panels.
I also appreciate the fact that the author briefly touched on two topics that are difficult for families to discuss: homosexuality and disciplining children. Read this novel with an open mind. Although it is entertaining, it will also stimulate your mind.
How does one seek redemption and forgiveness when there are so many unanswered questions as to how and why? It is battle that you will see both Solomon and Michele experience. Solomon opens up his heart and his mind to his truths. The question is will the couple be able to move on?
The author does a great job of exposing Solomon Singletary as a hurt man. He gives us a raw and honest look at how some men view relationships, family, and love. Men also get a look into how sometimes, as women, it is not easy for us to forgive and forget because you want us to.
You will go through a range of emotions except disappointment as you read the drama that unfolds on these pages. Each character’s role was well -developed and realistic. This is definitely a book that opens up discussions in book clubs or male/female relationship panels.
I also appreciate the fact that the author briefly touched on two topics that are difficult for families to discuss: homosexuality and disciplining children. Read this novel with an open mind. Although it is entertaining, it will also stimulate your mind.
November 21, 2012
A Cold Piece of Work is the journey of Solomon Singletary and those associated with him. It depicts the paths and roads that they all traveled with him and his actions. As we go on this journey, many emotions are invoked, experienced and shown....yes at times I actually had reactions to him and they varied in their intensity.
Curtis Bunn penned a novel that gave us direct insight to the mind and workings of this man thus how he thought, what he thought and the reasons why. The aforementioned directed the paths he chose. Essentially Solomon has no faith, belief or trust in women. He deals with them basically for companionship and sex. The opinions and thoughts he has were formed from the perils in his life and as an adult; they became the foundation of his beliefs that he is very proud of and live by.
As we travel these roads and paths that are Solomon, we grow to understand his reasoning even if we don't agree with him. Things are brought to light that challenge his stance and changes the direction of his life. This is an enlighten journey, that I commend for its directness. This is a novel that I found myself totally engrossed in, if for no other reason than to find out what happens next. This was very good and intense (at times) reading.
I give this novel 4.5 stars
Curtis Bunn penned a novel that gave us direct insight to the mind and workings of this man thus how he thought, what he thought and the reasons why. The aforementioned directed the paths he chose. Essentially Solomon has no faith, belief or trust in women. He deals with them basically for companionship and sex. The opinions and thoughts he has were formed from the perils in his life and as an adult; they became the foundation of his beliefs that he is very proud of and live by.
As we travel these roads and paths that are Solomon, we grow to understand his reasoning even if we don't agree with him. Things are brought to light that challenge his stance and changes the direction of his life. This is an enlighten journey, that I commend for its directness. This is a novel that I found myself totally engrossed in, if for no other reason than to find out what happens next. This was very good and intense (at times) reading.
I give this novel 4.5 stars
September 14, 2011
I thought I was going to really hate the main character Solomon based on the title of the book. He was indeed arrogant/overly confident and at times he came off a bit self-righteous but overall there was something about him and his background that made me feel empathy for him.
Although there were a few decisions he made that did seem cold and that literally made me cringe I never felt that they came from a malicious place or like he was this ruthless character with no redeeming qualities. There quite a few insightful moments as he started to come to terms with the effect that his choices were making not only on himself but all who were involved.
Even though Solomon and his main love interest Michele both had past experiences that shaped their way of thinking in a negative way and that in effect caused them to be reluctant to trust the other, there was still something about their chemistry that had me rooting for them to make it work. I really enjoyed reading this one and honestly hated for it to end...
Although there were a few decisions he made that did seem cold and that literally made me cringe I never felt that they came from a malicious place or like he was this ruthless character with no redeeming qualities. There quite a few insightful moments as he started to come to terms with the effect that his choices were making not only on himself but all who were involved.
Even though Solomon and his main love interest Michele both had past experiences that shaped their way of thinking in a negative way and that in effect caused them to be reluctant to trust the other, there was still something about their chemistry that had me rooting for them to make it work. I really enjoyed reading this one and honestly hated for it to end...
October 17, 2011
Not Cold at All
What do you do when your relationship is going great? You start thinking about things like, living together, marriage, and maybe even children! But when the relationship starts to fizzle or ends and you’re left wondering what the heck happened? What do you do?
Solomon and Michele’s story is one that still rings true today. The insight given into the male’s perception sheds some light on what they deal with concerning matters of the heart.
This story makes you think about your own choices you’ve made concerning love, loss and maybe even redemption.
The conversations between the characters, the conflict and definitely the heat that rises from the pages, makes this a must read story. It’s so hard not to go into too much detail without giving the story away, but it is definitely worth reading. It offered a refreshing change.
This may have been my first title by Mr. Bunn, but it certainly won’t be my last!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.
Melody Vernor-Bartel
Reader’s Paradise
4 Bookmarks
What do you do when your relationship is going great? You start thinking about things like, living together, marriage, and maybe even children! But when the relationship starts to fizzle or ends and you’re left wondering what the heck happened? What do you do?
Solomon and Michele’s story is one that still rings true today. The insight given into the male’s perception sheds some light on what they deal with concerning matters of the heart.
This story makes you think about your own choices you’ve made concerning love, loss and maybe even redemption.
The conversations between the characters, the conflict and definitely the heat that rises from the pages, makes this a must read story. It’s so hard not to go into too much detail without giving the story away, but it is definitely worth reading. It offered a refreshing change.
This may have been my first title by Mr. Bunn, but it certainly won’t be my last!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.
Melody Vernor-Bartel
Reader’s Paradise
4 Bookmarks
February 25, 2012
Solomon, is every ladies dream who lives by the rule hit and run. The world states men who emotions as weak. Curtis Bunn takes us on a journey with Solomon totally disproving this theory. A COLD PIECE OF WORK is a story which needs to be read by men, women, and couples then discussed to the better end. Relationships will be seen in a different light, and you may think twice before breaking someones heart.
February 27, 2012
Good story line, but predictable (for the most part). The preview of his next book has me looking forward to his next book.
Want to read
September 29, 2011I am reading this one for my upcomin book club meeting...hope its good!
October 22, 2012
A trip inside the mind of a man who is handsome, smart confident, but is arrogant on the surface and that makes him weak to mistakes of the heart. Good writing, good read.
December 2, 2012
story line was good did like how it end it was a bit abrupt to me.
June 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel and look forward o other novels by this author!
Read
September 19, 2013Liked very good read
April 15, 2016
This was a wonderful Family Love Story! Curtis Bunn is a great Writer. All of his characters are like relatives I have. My favorites in this book were Sonya and Gerald!
November 5, 2016
I couldn't put it down!
November 18, 2017
A very interesting and insightful fictional account on how some men view relationships.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews