In “The Book of Dreams” by Nina George, an accident brings a group of strangers together in life–changing ways. On his way to visit his estranged son, an  ex-reporter steps into the road without looking and his hit by a car.  At is bedside are his son, an ex-girlfriend, and another coma patient.    “The Department of Sensitive Crimes” offers more low-key wit and warmth for Alexander McCall Smith, this time set in a small Scandinavian police department. “The Island of Sea Women” by Lisa See tells how the outside world impinges on the traditions and friendships in an all-female diving collective.