The Fig Factor

by Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz

At some point in our lives, we all face the Does crisis and pain propel us forward or put our lives on hold? In this deeply intimate memoir, Jacqueline Camacho Ruiz shares the eight hidden secrets—the fig factors as she calls them—of discovering true awareness and embracing life’s big sky possibilities, even amidst our greatest struggles. The Fig Factor is an emotionally-charged story spanning two countries and three decades. Ruiz expertly takes our hand and invites us to walk with her. We begin in her homeland of Mexico as she recounts her mother’s unrelenting faith in giving birth to a little girl, the good that came from the arsonist’s flames devouring her childhood home and the life-changing discovery she encountered after watching her father walk away again and again with a bottle in his hand. Her immigration to the United States as a young teenager and the amazing medical discovery that both saved her life while nearly taking it away offer true inspiration that the human spirit dictates triumph in the lives of everyday people. Ruiz clearly touches our hearts in this beautifully written, very personal memoir, showing us how to find more to every moment of living through love, awareness, forgiveness, gratitude and more. Each chapter is capped off with thought-provoking questions underscoring Ruiz’ real the answers to life’s greatest questions lie within each of us.

146 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2013

Reviews

[Byron Edgington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this little memoir partly because of its title, partly because I have a passing acquaintance with the author, and partly because it took me back to other cherished friends in the Spanish-speaking world, amigos that I dearly miss.
That disclaimer aside, let me say that even if I didn't know Jackie Ruiz, I'd happily give this book five stars, only because I can't give it eight. Seldom have I read a memoir that tugs at the heartstrings like this one does, and seldom have the rewards for persistence, faith, and resilience been so clearly rewarded and conveyed. It has the added feature of being very well written.
No spoilers here, but the vector Ms Camacho-Ruiz has taken was nothing short of amazing, and considering where she has landed, and how she's thriving is a remarkable thing to see. As for the mysterious title, suffice to say that figs played an important part in the author's first entrepreneurial effort, and 'Fig Factors' still guide her efforts to this day. The book gave me a new appreciation for strong women, the value of family, the role of universal beneficence in our lives, and the goodness available to all, if we seek it out.
Political cant aside, her story also affirms for me the shallow thinking, and the ill-considered efforts of certain people to block entry to immigrants to this country. From Mexico City, to a tiny pueblo called Malpaso, to the U.S. and Chicago, to success, despite several challenges, speed-bumps, health concerns, and family crises, Ms Ruiz triumphs, and then some.
If you enjoy a good, satisfying, and inspirational memoir, read this little book, and you'll give it eight stars, too.The Fig Factor: A Memoir about Growth, Inspiration, and Second Chances

[Scarleth Lever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. I finished it in a couple of hours. Vulnerable, honest, inspiring.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion I think this is a good book because it talks about her life and its impressing how she learned English in ONE YEAR!!!!!