In that case, just read the dialogues (every other chapter) -- they're funny, easy to read, and pretty cool. The other parts are kind of dry, and all the good ideas are in the dialogues anyway. Long division is not required, and it's probably easier than the philosophy recommendations you'll get.
I'm scared to try GEB.
Look, do what you enjoy, and don't bother with what you don't enjoy. That's what worthwhile people want to see. People like real people and are creeped out by superheroes. It's ok.
Everyone: I am ignorant of many things! In fact, often I'm downright stupid! I have several harmful habits, including unhealthy and socially off-putting ones! I once got a D in a math class! Sometimes I lack self-awareness! I'm too old to be a mathematician!
Be real. Be open. Good luck.
Does LW have a consensus on which books are worthwhile to read regarding consciousness? I read a small intro (Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction, Susan Blackmore, Oxford University Press), and the summary seems to be "Consciousness is pretty damn weird and no one seems to have much of a handle on it". As a non-technical layman, are there any useful books for me to read on the subject?
(I have started reading Daniel Dennet's Intuition Pumps, and I'm a bit torn. He seems highly respected by good scientists, but I feel that if the book didn't have his name on it, I would be well on my way to dismissing it. Are Dennet's earlier works on consciousness a good read?)