From Page to Stage

I guess it’s kind of unusual for a writer to decide to turn her book into a play…at the same time she writes it. But I did. There was just so much more MOM to share!  If you’re curious why I felt I needed to tell  Mom’s story onstage, watch this little film that tells the tale…with love. My dream is now a reality. On February 16 and 17th, I will be performing “The God Box, A Daughter’s Story” off-off Broadway in NYC and would love to see you there. Write to GodBoxtickets@gmail.com to reserve tickets in NYC!

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A Little ‘Miracle’


My mother in law Ginny Quinlan has been very ill in St. Mary’s Hospital in Newtown for the past week. She hasn’t been eating at all for weeks and we’ve been so worried. Today, my husband Joe walked into her room and she was eating a full breakfast. Amazed to see her enjoying food for the first time in months, he asked, “Where did you get it?” “I just ordered it up on the phone,” she answered. Joe looked at the phone, six feet away from her ‘guardrail bed’ and scratched his head. Later, he saw a woman cleaning the corridor. He had met her on Mom’s first day there and given her a copy of “The God Box.” Joe asked her, “Do you have any idea how my Mom got breakfast?” “Oh yes, I happened to be in her room when the phone rang so I answered and gave it to her and she asked for food.” To us, a little miracle. To my Mom-in-law, lifesaving.

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The God Box Performance in NYC!

My dream for the spring road tour of “The God Box” performance has been to kick it off in NYC where I live. Good news! On the weekend of February 16/17, we are proud to partner with the Connelly Theatre, not only because it’s a jewelbox of a space but because of where it “lives”. The theater is nestled within the Connelly Middle School of the Holy Child, educating girls living under the poverty line in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. These terrific young women are soaring academically, moving on to high school and college graduation through the generous support of the Connelly Center. (Cool coincidence: my parents were married in Holy Child Church in Philly!)

We will post information about reservations. In lieu of paid tickets, we will invite donations to support the girls and their devoted teachers. Stay tuned to the Events page on www.theGodBoxproject.com or write to me here for details.

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sample chapter
Enjoy a free selected chapter from The God Box.
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reading group guide
Invite your book club to join this engaging conversation about Mary Lou’s book.
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printable mini cards
Share these mini note cards or write notes for your God Box.
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mobile app
The God Box app makes it easy to write notes on the go.
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giving back
Ask how Mary Lou can support your local cause with the book and play.
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Come meet Mary Lou and experience The God Box: A Daughter's Story at a venue near you.
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press & praise
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  • "A wonderful legacy…Keeping a God Box is an incredibly moving and hopeful ritual that we should all consider adding into our daily lives."
    – REBA, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR, ACTRESS
  • "What a beautiful and profoundly human book....I will keep The God Box in my heart for a long, long time."
    – LAURA SCHROFF, AUTHOR OF "THE INVISIBLE THREAD"
  • "Mary Lou Quinlan shares her mother’s handmade and heartfelt gift of how to persist, believe and move forward with joy."
    – LEE WOODRUFF, AUTHOR OF "IN AN INSTANT"
  • "In the slips of paper that carry this sweet story forward, we can see the love in our own families and the great possibilities of simple faith."
    – JEFFREY ZASLOW, COAUTHOR OF "THE LAST LECTURE"
  • "The courage and wisdom from the messages left in her mother’s God Box will inspire you to create a God Box of your own."
    – GAIL SHEEHY, AUTHOR OF "PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING"
  • "Mary Lou Quinlan has told the story of her mother in a way that entertains, moves and inspires. The thoughts about life and values will stick with you forever."
    – JIM LEHRER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF PBS NEWSHOUR
  • "A beautiful story of love, faith and family. It reads like an intimate, familiar prayer."
    – ELIZABETH GILBERT, AUTHOR OF "EAT, PRAY, LOVE"

The God Box App is shiny new and ready to welcome your cares

March 19, 2024
by Mary Lou Quinlan

Since The God Box book was published in the spring of 2012, so many readers have told me that they started their own God Boxes. I love hearing stories of children creating God Boxes and married couples joining their prayer and cares in a family box. (And my mother would be thrilled!)  A 'real' God box is a constant reminder that we are not in control and that letting go is the first step to finding comfort, hope and relief for life's worries. But did you know that many thousands have gone virtual with their God boxes? To help the many busy ...

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