[Scott]

I've found that when reading anything that may tend to become a little heady, its best to just put the book down for a bit and do something else to clear your mind. It might take you a little longer to finish the book, but you won't just be rushing through it and possibly missing out on some very good parts.
Personally, the hardest part to read in The Lord of the Rings was The Council of Elrond. I still think that it was a bit too drawn out.