White, Soft, & Fluffy : A Woman Who Refused to Submit

by Poonam Jalan

The difference between those who conquer fear and those who succumb to is how quickly you can get up. The ten billion dollar "Self Help" industry is about strategies, tactics, and hacks to tell you to get back up. Very few show you the "how" This is why, for every person getting up, there are twenty-seven who fall back down. In this book, Poonam Jalan, a certified counselor and behavior analyst, talks about her journey from disasters to success; from heartbreaking failure to the ethereal happiness in helping others heal. With a cocktail of science and compassion, she shares the "hows" of forming beliefs, letting go of pain, and emerging victorious from whatever life throws at you. This is the story of a brave woman who refused to submit.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2020

About the author

Poonam Jalan, is the Thoughts Sculptor.

She is an analyst, a technician and a creative problem solver in the field of human behaviour. She specializes in getting to the core of a problem using her expertise in reading, decoding and deciphering verbal and non verbal communication and then strategizing the most effective and workable solution for the individual she is working with.

Academically she is a Counsellor from the Monash University, Australia, a certified NLP Master Practitioner and works with adults and teenagers on various mental health and psychosomatic issues.

She conducts one on one counselling sessions and speaks at seminars on issues of mental health for people in various walks of life as also on relationships, parenting and for adolescents coping with the trials and tribulations of being an adolescent.

Reviews

[Rishma Bora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poonam Jalan's memoir "White, Soft & Fluffy" gives an account of her life through different snippets from her childhood and adult life. The author doesn't follow a chronological order of events rather jumps from timeline to timeline so the initial missing links about Poonam eventually comes together to form a beautiful story of her life. Poonam leaves a short message or summary at the end of each chapter which I feel connects her story to the readers.

The author referred to various instances in her life which were prominent in carving the person she is today.

One such instance was where Poonam divulges about the birth of her first child Serena, how her own life was critical after the child's birth and her feelings as a new mother. Through this account, the author penned about the dilemmas of a new mother and her mental health after childbirth.

The author describes another account of her life wherein she shares how loss of a child is an emotional event leading to severe trauma. Poonam first handedly experienced this trauma when she had to terminate her second child, her son Rambo who was diagnosed with Down's syndrome. Rambo was named as such because his father believed that he was a fighter who will fight and win at the end. But unfortunately little Rambo lost his battle and his parents had to eventually give him up as his condition was very critical and severe. But little Rambo knew his parents and sister loved him for they refused to give him a life where he will be in pain throughout his life. Through her own life changing experience, Poonam encourages every mother who is in grief of losing a child to seek counselling or therapy to heal themselves.

Poonam Jalan is a strong woman and even a strong mother. Her character and personality is something to be looked upto.

[rukaiyareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"White, Soft and Fluffy" by Poonam Jalan really dives into some heavy stuff – like abuse, child loss, depression and how much we love our furry friends. But somehow, Jalan weaves it all together in a way that just makes sense. When I read it, I felt like I was really getting where she was coming from, especially when she talked about how important it is to treat animals right. There was this one part about Leo, this poor pup who went through so much because of bad breeding practices – it hit me hard. And the way Jalan jumps around in time?
Surprisingly, it all clicks together in the end, making you think about life's ups and downs.
Overall, "White, Soft and Fluffy" is like a reminder to keep pushing through, no matter what life throws your way – and that's pretty inspiring.

[Manasvi G · Rating 5 out of 5]

| BOOK REVIEW | - 🍁 White, Soft and Fluffy: A Woman who refused to Submit
Genre: Memoir/Autobiography

🍁 In the intimate pages of this memoir, the author shares poignant personal experiences that have woven the fabric of her life. With each chapter thoughtfully named after the cities that bear witness to her trials and triumphs, the reader is invited to traverse the depths of the author's journey. 🍂

🍁 Among the chapters, 'Singapore 2013' resonates deeply as it unveils the profound emotional landscape of a woman's path to motherhood. The author delicately explores the complexities of this transformative journey, where the blessings of motherhood and the heartache of loss entwine, echoing the very essence of the soul. 🍂

🍁 The author's storytelling prowess is truly mesmerizing. Her words cascade like poetry, painting vivid images of her experiences. With a captivating narrative style, readers will find themselves not merely observers, but active participants in the author's life story. 🍂

🍁 The language employed is a flowing stream of lucidity, carrying the reader effortlessly through the chapters. The deliberate choice of a slower-paced writing style allows one to savor each moment, diving deep into the emotions and revelations. 🍂

🍁 The cover, a visual delight, hints at the profound journey within. The title, aptly chosen, encapsulates the essence of the memoir, serving as a portal into the author's world. 🍂

🍁 A treasure for memoir enthusiasts, this book offers a glimpse into the human experience, laid bare with honesty and vulnerability. It is a contemplative exploration, an intimate conversation between author and reader. 🍂

| PERSONAL INSIGHT | - 🌸 While I found the book enjoyable, a more dynamic and brisk writing style could have added a layer of depth, rendering it slightly shorter yet equally impactful.

[Col Sudip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about true emotions - sometimes raw sometimes subtle and the perseverance of the human spirit. It shocks and then brings out the smiles. Right from age 2 til 40+ the book meanders through colourful snapshots of life and the learnings each of us can take from it ending with hope for the future.

Strongly recommended for anyone who loves true stories of human endurance and the joys of small victories. A must read for all parents! You will surely learn a lot about parenting!

[Shweta Rohira · Rating 5 out of 5]

White, soft and fluffy by Poonam Jalan

It's an early morning and this brilliant cover baited me towards it when I was considering over what my next read ought to be "white, soft and fluffy" by Poonam Jalan. Adored the cover appears as though an excellent canvas seeing a young lady in short hair two fur babies. I felt it was me on the cover and was completely charmed to peruse the narrative of a lady who would not submit.

This story is of her and her encounters each experience that she has lived and the lessons she has learnt and advanced. She has imparted it to such an excess of truth that at a point I believed I was a piece of her excursion and gained such a huge amount from all her meetings that she has referenced. Additionally toward the finish of each part she has given an investigation of the number of individuals are experiencing such conditions and for what reason is it imperative to recuperate or talk about for sure measures ought to be taken which I feel will rouse readers to make a stride towards their mending.

Well she is a thought sculptor today and this book will make you keep a check on your thinking be it the negatives or the up-sides

“You go through the pain you hold in to for years and years then before releasing it relive the pain one last time and then like magic you are free of it forever.” A quote that I have taken with me after reading this book and would suggest everyone whether you are in your high or lows to read this one as her solidarity to conquer all the odd will leave you entranced.

[Sumit RK · Rating 5 out of 5]

White, Soft, & Fluffy : A Woman Who Refused to Submit is an autobiographical account of the writer's fascinating life journey from her childhood to the present. Narrated in different episodes, it takes you through the many ups and down of her life and the life lessons you learn from it.

The book is collection of memories from various points in the life of author and it takes you back and forth in time, as they unfold. It's not a chronological account and it doesn't need to be. It's like going through a photo album, with each photo capturing an unforgettable memory, now frozen in time.

The book starts with the author's present working as a therapist in Mumbai and then going back to her childhood in a small town of Paonta Sahib. It moves randomly to different points in her life from unexpected 'arranged' marriage to shocking martial abuse & seperation to the surprise of finding love again. You experience her happiness of motherhood and the horror of her near death experience. From the grief of losing her friend to her transformation as an individual, the book is full of experiences that make you smile, make you shed a tear and even make you ponder over the unpredictable nature of life.

"Adversity built Poonam; it did not break her."

What sets the book apart is the author's incredible tenacity to get back up after every adversity and finding a new facet of herself i
n the process. The death of her friend was tough for her but it also inspired her to be a therapist to help others. Being stuck in a abusive marriage again was terrifying but it did not deter her from finding herself all over again in totally unknown setup.

The story is not only inspiring, but also an attempt to heal others facing similar adversities. The book also adds a self help portion that guides the readers to seek help which i felt was a nice touch.Hopefully, the author's incredible journey acts as a ray of hope to those struggling in the dark, that any adversity is not the end and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. No one has to live in pain and here is always a way— which the author has shown multiple times.

Overall, White, Soft, & Fluffy is a remarkable story of resilience and overcoming the myriad challenges life throws at you.Through her journey of healing self and helping others, readers will find hope and inspiration to face their own battles. This is one book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading. Strongly recommended to everyone.

[bookloverbiswa · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 White, Soft, & Fluffy : A Woman Who Refused to Submit

Big shoutout to Author Poonam Jalan for her amazing book “White, Soft, & Fluffy: A Woman Who Refused to Submit”. This book takes you on a journey through life's ups and downs, teaching us real lessons and leaving us hopeful for what's ahead.

📖 About the book: I want to share with you this incredible journey of Poonam’s - the ups, the downs, the lessons learned, and the growth experienced. Let's break it down a bit, so you can get a quick snapshot of what this book is all about. I've picked out a couple of chapters from the first part of the book that I think will really resonate.

First off, we've got chapter 3 "Mumbai 2002." Picture this: Poonam, venturing into the bustling chaos of Mumbai to chase her dreams with an outdoor ad agency. Now, here's the twist - she crosses paths with "The Ugly Man" - Anup Jalan, her colleague, during a job interview. This chapter is all about their unconventional connection, evolving into a deep bond that eventually leads to them tying the knot. It's a story that defies the norms of looks and challenges conventional beauty standards.

But the real heartstrings get tugged in chapter 4 "Azamgarh 2000." We're going back in time to when Poonam was caught in an arranged marriage that was far from a fairytale. This chapter sheds light on the harsh realities countless women face in forced marriages. Poonam's emotional rollercoaster is laid bare, showing us just how crucial it is to stand up for abuse victims and fight for everyone's rights and dignity.

✨ Theme or Focus: The book's all about taking charge of your own path, being your true self, and feeling empowered. It's not just a fun read, "White, Soft, & Fluffy: A Woman Who Refused to Submit" also speaks up for change and action. It nudges us to care, show empathy, and lend a hand when times are tough.

🏆 My Final Opinion: The thought-provoking and engrossing book "White, Soft, & Fluffy: A Woman Who Refused to Submit" tells a story of love, resiliency, and empowerment. It is a must-read for everyone looking for an exciting and eye-opening reading experience due to its compelling storyline and socially relevant issues. The book is an important addition to any bookshelf because of its capacity to move readers' hearts and spark discussions about cultural expectations and women's rights.

[Ishi Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being drawn to memoirs for their personal touch, I couldn't resist grabbing this book – “White, Soft and Fluffy: A woman who refused to Submit by Poonam Jalan”. It has truly left me amazed; a captivating read that resonates deeply.

Spoiler-free, here's a glimpse of this captivating book. The author's life unfolds before us, a reservoir of wisdom. Each hardship is etched with such raw emotion that her tales feel like a heartfelt conversation. Personally, I resonated deeply with her love for pets, the pages emanated her profound love.

The author draws from personal experiences to delve into detailed discussions about mental health. This connected deeply with me, and I believe these chapters will offer valuable insights to numerous readers.

The author addresses significant child-related concerns: child abuse, trauma, and the imperative of discussing the world's realities with them. Her insights on these matters are noteworthy and enlightening.

Within these pages, the author candidly shares her experience of losing an unborn son and its profound impact. The chapter concludes with practical guidance for those navigating a similar journey.

I must commend the author's vibrant writing style; it kept me engrossed until the final page. Speaking of the language, it's incredibly lucid and effortlessly comprehensible.
Lastly, I must acknowledge the designer for the captivating cover design that harmoniously complements its content.

I relished every page. Highly recommended for all.

[Sakshi Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a society where "Consulting a Psychotherapist" or taking therapy makes you Mental.
Poonam Jalan is a certified counselor and a behavior analyst, who takes us on an enthralling journey of her life.
She has shared right from her childhood to the time when she was working hard for building her Dream House, changing cities or countries all the struggles and challenges she faced.

An appalling occurrence with her best friend Radhika made her realise she should learn Psychotherapy and counselling.

I was amazed at the experiences she narrated.
The episodes of her marriage, pregnancy, struggles at work, parenting and above all pet parenting were phenomenal.

The Post-Partum depression, Child Abuse, Parental depression and many other human behavioral issues was discussed extensively.
There are light and warm moments too.
I have fought Post-partum depression so I could relate to that.

What to do when you hit "The Rock Bottom"?
The only solution is "get back up and get going".
It is not at all easy as it sounds.This Book reflects the above mentioned thought. It highlights the ability to overcome challenges in life.
Poonams analytical senses, compassion and hardwork did not let her surrender.

The writing style is very coherent. I could feel a storyteller trait in her writing.

This captivating book leaves a lasting impact, making it a highly recommended read for everyone.

[Librarian Arizona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"White, Soft & Fluffy" by Poonam Jalan is a poignant memoir that intricately pieces together the tapestry of the author's life. Jalan's decision to stray from the traditional chronological order of events brings a refreshing depth to her narrative. Each chapter's concluding message not only ties her personal experiences to the reader's heart but also showcases her ability to bridge the gap between her life and theirs. Among the many emotionally charged accounts, the chapter recounting the birth of her first child Serena and the subsequent challenges she faced resonates powerfully. Jalan's candid exploration of the dilemmas and mental health struggles that often accompany new motherhood is both relatable and inspiring. Another deeply moving segment delves into the loss of her son Rambo, who was diagnosed with Down's syndrome.



Through this heart-wrenching experience, Jalan not only highlights the emotional turmoil but also underscores the importance of seeking healing through counseling and therapy. In the end, "White, Soft & Fluffy" stands as a testament to Poonam Jalan's strength, courage, and resilience, while simultaneously serving as a source of empathy and encouragement for readers navigating their own challenges.

[Antara Bhattacharjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"White, Soft & Fluffy" by Poonam Jalan is a poignant memoir that intricately intertwines the fabric of the author's life. Jalan's decision to depart from the traditional chronological order of events brings a refreshing depth to her narrative. Each chapter's concluding message not only resonates with the reader's heart but also showcases her ability to bridge the gap between her life and theirs. Among the many emotionally charged accounts, the chapter recounting the birth of her first child, Serena, and the subsequent challenges she faced resonates powerfully. Jalan's candid exploration of the dilemmas and mental health struggles that often accompany new motherhood is both relatable and inspiring. Another deeply moving segment delves into the loss of her son, who was diagnosed with Down's syndrome. Through this heart-wrenching experience, Jalan not only highlights the emotional turmoil but also underscores the importance of seeking healing through counseling and therapy. In the end, "White, Soft & Fluffy" stands as a testament to Poonam Jalan's strength, courage and resilience, while simultaneously serving as a source of empathy and encouragement for readers navigating their own challenges.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Soft and Tuffy (yeah she’s a tough one!)

Every life is a story waiting to unfold. Every life is a story waiting to be told.

A gripping tale of life riddled with trying circumstances that only made her stronger, Poonam Jalan is one among those who take two negatives and make a positive. Many would collapse under the cross that she had to bear. Every crisis fuelled her resolve to rise up and create her own happiness and with a supportive husband who had her back and a daughter who gave her the space to explore her options, she has moved on to achieve great success.

This book is a great read. Written in an easy casual way, the pictures her words paint in your mind transport you effortlessly into the world of the author. It almost feels like you’re standing in her space watching it all happen in front of you. I was so engrossed in her world that I lost track of time.

While being a light read, the story also brings to light many social and cultural norms that have a stifling effect on the lives of women and children. It’s time we took a good harsh look at them and the damage they unleash on young minds, unknowingly shaping the futures of so many innocents.

[Samriddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an excellent book. A Glimpse into the Life of a Women who has faced the odds and Grown Stronger. It's incredible how the Author has managed to cover life's bittersweet journey in one tiny book.
The book is engrossing and generates a lot of emotions that can make you feel happy one minute and shattered the next. " The shortest way across is.... Through" - simple truth told. An experience which is shared so others can learn to make better choices. You can relate to this books on many levels.

I recommend this book to all avid readers, definitely a must read.. get it and digest all the emotions. Once you Get in, I promise that you will find it hard not to feel with your Core.

You don't wanna Miss This One.

[Bijoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poonam Jalan’s debut novel, am extremely powerful & honest story… beautifully written … couldn’t help ,read it in one go.
It’s still sinking , deeper & deeper ..
I’m short of right words to justify the novel.
Surprisingly I found myself in bits & pieces all over , Poonam gave herself in her novel in a unfiltered raw yet subdued ‘white, soft & fluffy’ ways, which every woman can connect , can relate with those emotions.
The strength , The positivity which evolved, defying all odds to become the awesome compassionate soul today she is… A must read for all women.

[Nishu Kalhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though its a story of a woman by a woman but a must read for everyone!

Poonam takes you through her various life events which not everyone of us might have experienced but will associate with the emotions very well. Her attitude towards life will definitely leave you spellbound. Highly recommend this book for people who are in their lows as well as in their high as each of one us have a lot to take away from her life!

[Rohan Jajodia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Indian, you will probably relate to every chapter in this book either with first-hand experience or through someone you may know of.

The odyssey of Poonam Jalan seems right out of a Bollywood Masala movie, yet so relatable.

A book every parent, husband, women should buy. It deals with issues that we consider are trivial but are a parasite on mental health by leaving impressions that last lifelong.

[Saumya Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, engaging book that tells the story of a powerful woman. One realises how everything that happens and also how we deal with it helps shapes the person we become. Poonam's style of writing is so engaging that it was difficult to put the book down. While reading the book it feels almost as if one can look through the eyes of Poonam.

It's a story of resolve, of determination, of staying strong through it all. A must read for everyone.

[Sanjay Manchanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale of a determined and confident person whose trial and turbulence with life have great learnings and lessons for all. A gripping read which once started you feel like finishing cover to cover. Having personally known the author, I myself discovered the true person through this book. The most important take away for me was to remain focused on your objective, no matter the circumstances. If you have the courage, conviction and belief, then you must pursue your life goals!

[Piali Bose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest emotions, raw connect to life’s phases, softer soulful flow of drifting moments and depth of strong character… All in one role.
Beautifully written… This novel is definitely going to stay in me for very very long.
Thanks for the signed copy Poonam , it’s precious.