I like pretty much anything in any genre that is not too dark(he dies, she dies and everyone else is miserable), has good character development and a complex, consistent world view. I don't like pages of discussion of obscure science trivia that have a limited impact on the plot. Or, for that matter, pages of obscure mythical history with no impact on the plot(like in a fantasy epic I recently read). I don't know if that makes what I like 'soft'.
Books I have enjoyed are
Lois Bujold--Miles Vorkosigan series, especially the prequel 'Cordelia's Honor': Very funny, and kind of 'space opera', but lots of exploring social conflicts and the effect of technology on society(whithout shoving your face in it)
Verner Vinge--A Fire Upon the Deep and his short stories. Excellent characters and a gripping story.
Connie Willis--To Say Nothing of the Dog Kinda borderline SF I suppose; involves time travel, so there is historical stuff as well
Of course, it would take years just to read all the suggestions in this thread!
Years well-spent, of course...
edit--Sorry to hear of your allergies, Neko--they are miserable!