This book explores the Mumbai Dabbawalas, an indigenous group in India, and their literacy practices within their business world. The author aims to demonstrate how she conducted her ethnographic case study as a model for others to follow in their own research. She takes the readers on a narrative journey, chronicling her decision to conduct the study and the completion of her dissertation. Through this journey, she highlights the influence of "literacy" definitions, particularly the autonomous model, on non-Western and indigenous groups, and how these definitions have impacted their literacy practices.

Using qualitative research methods, the author provides readers with insights into conducting a cross-cultural international ethnographic case study. She offers detailed explanations of her coding process and how she analyzed the extensive data to support her argument that the Dabbawalas' literacy practices contribute to their success. Additionally, Dr. Krishnan's cross-cultural study adds a new dimension to the field of ethnographic case study and challenges the autonomous model of literacy.

Uma S. Krishnan is a Professor of English at Kent State University, where she heads the Writing Internship Program and serves as the Associate Writing Program Coordinator. Additionally, she serves as honorary faculty in the Religion Studies-Minor Program. Outside of her academic responsibilities, she serves as the Assistant Chair of the CCCC standing Group on Global/Non-Western Standing Group. Over the years, Krishnan has received numerous awards for her teaching and research, including James Berlin Memorial Outstanding Dissertation Award, Honorable Mention, and STARTALK national recognition for Hindi Language Pedagogy.