I have a question that is really really novice and I'm sorry for asking
such a stupid question, but I really have no place else to ask this.

My neighbor is moving and gave me 3 4x8 sheets of 3/4" maple plywood.
I'm not sure which side is which, and that's where my question is. One
side seems to have no sections that were joined together, but the grain
is very thick. It is also a small bit darker. The other side is
very smooth, nice looking grain, but the veneer is in roughly 12" strips
so you can see where it was either folded or joined or however it is
done.

I like the grain and coloring in the "pieced together" side better than
the other side. I decided to use this for a new desk and bookcase for
the office.

Which side is up? Is there a right and wrong? Is one side a better "grade"
but pieced together and the other side a worse grade but in wider sheets?

I've hunted the net and found many pages discussing how veneer is cut,
but nothing explaining which side is up.

Jeff