American here, and I’ve never heard anyone seriously answer the phone this way. I did have a co-worker who would answer “Go for Mike” as a joke when he knew the caller. I had the impression it was from silly comedy or sit-com or meme that went around for a while.
I usually have several books going at once, but just based on that moment’s whim. This sounds like a more efficient and less cluttered way of going about it!
I believe it’s oil on wood.