McDaniel College Associate Librarian Jane Sharpe recently presented the 16th annual Books Sandwiched In, a forum that takes the guesswork out of finding the year’s best books. 

“It always brings me pleasure to introduce people to what I think are very good books for others or yourself,” says Sharpe. “Who better to splurge on than yourself?”

The one-hour session covered 37 books, including fiction and non-fiction for children and adults, a cookbook, biography, picture book and a coffee table book.

Here, in her words, are Sharpe’s picks:

World Without End by Ken Follett. The story, set in the 1300s in the Cathedral town of Kingsbridge, is about four children who witness a murder and the shadow that it casts over their lives as they grow up. At 1,004 pages, this is a long-winter’s read.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. The protagonist is a third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who ends up playing for a team in Italy.

Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. A look into the life of small town America through the story of 60-year-old “Lucy” Lynch, who is preparing for a trip to Italy. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Empire Falls.”

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn. Set in 1886 London, where Lady Julia Grey’s husband dies at a dinner party at their home. It is a murder mystery, and a first novel from the Virginia author.

Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund. This story, told in first person, is an intimate dramatic reimagination of Marie Antoinette.

Pontoon by Garrison Keillor. Stories from Lake Wobegon, with a host of colorful characters including Evelyn, who is too busy to go when the “angel of death” comes for her.

Christmas at Fairacre by Miss Read. This book is made up of three English Christmas stories. It is a charming light read for the holidays.

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. This is the first full biography since all of Einstein’s personal papers were made available to the public. Although we revere him, this book illustrates the fact that he was a simple man.

The Legacy of a Country Boy by Jimmy Fox. These are short snippits in the life of a local man who grew up in Greenspring Valley in the 1940s and 50s.

Fearless and Bold by Jim Lightner. This McDaniel College history is a good read if you are interested in local history or especially if you have been a student at the College.

American Creation by Joseph Ellis. Was it dumb luck and/or divine intervention during the founding of our nation that created this America. Issues that were successfully addressed as well as those that were not, such as slavery and the American Indians are examined in early America..

Presidential Courage by Michael Beschloss. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the presidents from 1789-1989 and how they struggled with difficult decisions. They were brave leaders who took risks on issues of war, human rights and the balance of power.

Houses of the Founding Fathers by Hugh Howard. This coffee table book shows the public and private worlds of the founding fathers (and mothers).

The Intellectual Devotional American History by David Kidder & Noah Oppenheim. This book contains 365 entries from seven fields of knowledge on American history. This book will complete your education, one day at a time.

Maryland Voices of the Civil War by Charles Mitchell. Mitchell has conducted research with hundreds of letters, diaries and documents to portray the people of Maryland during the Civil War.

A Family Christmas by Caroline Kennedy. This anthology contains poetry, stories and songs. It is a treasury of Christmas literature.

Christmas with Paula Deen by Paula Deen. There is a lot of southern charm oozing out of this cookbook, along with stories, hints, family pictures and great recipes.

Christmas with Southern Living 2007. As always, Southern Living has fabulous recipes, beautiful decorations and amazing photography.

Under the Tree by Susan Waggoner. This is a cultural history of toys from 1930-70, along with illustrations and ads.

Catopia by Anne Mortimer. The book contains everything a cat lover could want: bookmarks, information on cats of the world, stories, illustrations and zodiac cats.

Click: One Novel, Ten Authors by Linda Sue Park et al. The story, told by ten different authors, is about two young people who inherit a camera, a box of photos and seven shells. They must find out what these clues reveal about their grandfather.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko.  Kate and Walk, two seventh graders, share their story of meeting the issues in their lives and make discoveries about themselves.

Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers. This young adult novel, written by a local author, tells the story of Abbey Garner. Raised by her great-grandmother, she intends to earn a million dollars by age 35, be successful, independent and break the “curse” she feels is on the women in her family.

Out of the Sea; Today’s Chincoteague Pony by Lois Szymanski. This book is for anyone who loves ponies. It presents in text and pictures the full story of the Chincoteague ponies.

Aesop’s Fables, Illustrated by Don Daily. This is a classis book with short tales and beautiful illustrations.

Front Porch Tales and North Country Whoppers by Tomie DePaolo. Original stories, folktales, and jokes set in northern New England with the author’s charming illustrations.

How to find Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker. This pop-up book is perfect for a young child and young at heart with a vivid imagination.

Extreme Dinosaurs by Robert Mash. This pop-up book gives interesting facts and pictures about those fascinating dinosaurs.

Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk. This is a story about a mouse who lives at a library and becomes an author. See how he encourages kids to write their own stories.

Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer. This good-intentioned little pig helps mama and father get ready for the holiday.

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo. Beautiful illustrations adorn this book, about a little girl’s concern for an organ grinder and his monkey on Christmas eve,

Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett. Like Goldilocks, this Inuit girl gets lost while looking for her dogs, and meets three bears.

Llama Llama, Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney. A children’s book about a llama who does not want to go shopping.

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What do you See? Bill Martin Jr., and Eric Carle. This story is about a young bear searching for his mama and meeting other animals of North America.

Hush Little Baby by Sylvia Long. This is a board book version for little hands.

Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats. Beautiful illustrations and story about what everyone can give.

Merry Christmas Mouse by Laura Numeroff. Mouse decorates his tree…

“Books Sandwiched In” is jointly sponsored by the Hoover Library, the Communications and Marketing Office, and Locust Books of Westminster.