# Book-Recommending Machines The 'Call Me Ishmael' Rotary Phone Records Personal Book Suggestions By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-11-03 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-suggestions References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/callmeishmael/call-me-ishmael-this-phone-helps-you-discover-grea) & [callmeishmael](http://callmeishmael.com/) This novel rotary phone is a project that aims to bring people and their love of reading together through the sharing of beloved book suggestions in a unique way. The 'Call Me Ishmael' phone is part of an experience -- it can be called by anyone and have a voicemail left describing their favorite book. Owners of the phone -- like libraries, bookstores or schools -- can choose their top 10 descriptions and set each one to a different button on the telephone. People can then enjoy listening to these heartfelt and touching accounts, describing how a book may have been important to someone's life. From Moby Dick to Harry Potter to a little-known novel, by providing personalized book suggestions, the makers of the phone hope to give "[book lovers everywhere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookselects) a novel way to discover their next read." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Personalized Book Recommendations:** The 'Call Me Ishmael' phone project demonstrates the potential for personalized book recommendations through voicemail messages, offering a novel way to discover new reads. - **Community Engagement:** Projects like the 'Call Me Ishmael' phone create opportunities for communities to connect and share their love of reading, fostering a sense of engagement and camaraderie. - **Alternative Communication Channels:** The use of a rotary phone as a medium for sharing book suggestions highlights the potential for alternative communication channels in the digital age. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Publishing:** Publishing companies can explore incorporating personalized book recommendation systems, such as voicemail messages, to enhance reader engagement and discovery. - **Library Services:** Libraries can adopt the 'Call Me Ishmael' phone concept as a means to connect with their community, facilitate book recommendations, and encourage library patronage. - **Education:** Educational institutions can utilize similar voicemail-based systems to promote reading and foster a love for literature among students. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book Matchmaking Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookwish.md) - [AI Book Suggestions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-recommendations-tool.md) - [Unique Book-Inspired Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-shaped-fans.md) - [Book Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornwall-public-library.md) - [Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-phone-labeling.md) - [Mood-Based Book Selections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/booksbymood.md) - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md) - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Voice-Activated Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readyland.md)