As a former English teacher, I can guarantee many American students struggle with the opening pages. I found if it is read aloud, it can more easily be understood. Nick, the narrator, it trying to establish who he is in a type of conversation with the reader; maybe that's why it reads easier aloud. You might consider an audiobook for this section or listen to someone who feels comfortable with the language and, importantly, the punctuation. Once you get past the first few pages, the writing gets easier. I truly believe this novel deserves your attention as it depicts so much about America almost 100 years ago while proving that in many ways those aspects haven't changed.