I'm reading it the second time through. It's not as hard as you think. The first time is a little difficult, but you'll make it.
Read it once, then re-read LotR, then go back to the Sil. It will seem easier then. Also, stay on this board. You'll learn a lot that will help you understand the Sil.
Hey, my first couple hundred posts, I bluffed my way through, because I had read the posts of others and rephrased some of their knowledge. It soon becomes second nature. The history will become part of you.
One last note, visit
The Encyclopedia of Arda. This will help you understand time lines for things that happened, how characters are related, and more background on the characters. It has really helped me.
Enjoy your stay here at the Barrow Downs.