Despite the marathon title, here is another introspective look at what's happening on the distaff of life from the views of two accomplished authoritative types. As such, man's better half, helpmate and significant other have made great strides and truly have come a long way to dispel notions of inferiority, either in the workplace or otherwise. Where women are now --- and where they go from here --- are given a platform for a head-to-head, if not spirited debate, from two women representing our political parties. UNFINISHED BUSINESS reads like a mundane and plodding entity full of anecdotal and personal analogies indicative of the women that wrote the book.

Although the book is well written, it doesn't really lend anything to make it jump out and grab your attention. Those that are fans and followers of the authors probably will be able to give it credence lofty of their interpretation of a good read. I rated the book three stars out of five, which makes it a midpoint perceptive analogy that does have some good points.

It has stirring and provocative exchanges in spots where opinionated views tend to give it color, tone and a certain tenor when each author plaintively gives their heartfelt views on the reported issues. Dr. Julianne Malveaux (The Democrat) is a noted economist who has discussed many of the points here as a syndicated columnist for several national newspapers. In the other corner is the Honorable Deborah L. Perry (The Republican), a former Bush cabinet advisor and a current political commentator on MSNBC and Fox News. UNFINISHED BUSINESS succinctly examines the ten issues women care about most (at least to the liking of these two women) from two very different perspectives.

After reading the book, I came to realize and marvel at how well-informed and motivated these combatants were in espousing their views on topics such as the failings of our education system, the inequities that women face in the workplace, reproductive rights, taxes and childcare. I expected more for a unique style that would possibly separate it from other books written in the same idiom. My interpretative view would more than likely agree with readers who may look at it as the 'same old same old' and relegate it average in appeal --- or worse. Always in such competitive analysis when looking for clear-cut winners in debatable issues, I couldn't say with any overwhelming conviction that one of these authors was better than the other. Moreover, and to their individual credit, Malveaux and Perry found enough common ground in the passion they felt for those issues and the role that women must play in initiating and effecting meaningful change.

Written in classic call and response style, I surmise that this would be the type of book to pique dissenting views from those in either direction ---liberal or conservative --- and to incite lively discussion in which there is a "men vs. women" discourse. Another good point is the resource section ending every chapter for further reflective views. The collaborative effort of both these women was a good idea, but it lacked the oomph to elicit more oohs and aahs.