Infinite Books Acquires Jonathan Tepper's Powerful Memoir Shooting Up

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinite Books today announced the acquisition of Shooting Up, a compelling memoir by acclaimed author and investor Jonathan Tepper. The book chronicles Tepper's extraordinary childhood growing up in Madrid's San Blas neighborhood, where his missionary parents ran a groundbreaking drug rehabilitation center during the height of Spain's heroin epidemic.

Set to be published by Little, Brown Book Group imprint Constable in the UK and Infinite Books in the US in Spring 2026, Shooting Up offers an unflinching look at addiction, recovery, and loss through the eyes of a young American boy navigating between two worlds—his family's dedication to helping others and the harsh realities of life in one of Europe's largest drug markets. The memoir captures a unique perspective: that of a child witness to both the devastation of addiction and the power of redemption.

"Jonathan's memoir is exactly the kind of book Infinite Books exists to champion," said Jimmy Soni, Editor in Chief of Infinite Books. "This is a masterclass in compassionate storytelling that brings readers into a world most will never experience: 1980s Madrid during the AIDS crisis, seen through the eyes of a missionary kid who grew up alongside recovering addicts who became his brothers and mentors."

The memoir documents Tepper's relationships with figures like Raúl and Jambri, former heroin addicts who became ordained ministers and father figures, many of whom ultimately died of AIDS. It's both a coming-of-age story and a meditation on love, loss, and the meaning of family.

"We're thrilled to bring Jonathan's extraordinary story to US audiences," said Jim O'Shaughnessy, Executive Chairman of Infinite Books. "This memoir exemplifies our commitment to publishing works that matter — books that illuminate the human capacity for both suffering and grace. Jonathan's story will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or wondered about the power of unconditional love."

Sam Hiyate, Founder and CEO of The Rights Factory, who represented Tepper in the deal, commented: "Jonathan's memoir is a tour de force of personal storytelling that deserves the widest possible readership. His ability to weave together childhood innocence with profound themes of mortality and meaning creates something truly exceptional. We're excited to see this powerful story reach readers on both sides of the Atlantic."

Andreas Campomar, Publisher at Little, Brown Book Group imprint Constable, said: "Not only has Jonathan written a skillfully wrought childhood memoir of living between two very distinct cultures, he has also recorded the effects of the AIDS epidemic in Madrid with great sensitivity."

"I'm deeply moved to share this story with American readers," said Jonathan Tepper. "This memoir represents the most personal work I've ever written. It's about the extraordinary people who shaped my childhood in ways I'm still discovering. They taught me that love can flourish in the most unlikely places, and that grace often comes through broken vessels. Working with the team at Infinite Books feels like the perfect partnership; they understand that some stories need to be told not because they're easy, but because they're true. I hope readers will find in these pages what I found in San Blas: that our deepest wounds can become our greatest sources of compassion."

SHOOTING UP is scheduled for publication in 2026 and will be available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.

Media Contact:
Ena Gong
O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC
(917) 355-7420
[email protected]

SOURCE Infinite Books