I do computer algebra so I end up reading math textbooks a lot. Here's my secret: Read 5 different textbooks on the same subject. The first one will introduce names, the second will introduce concepts associated with the names, the third will begin to connect the concepts, the fourth will give you a fair idea about the subject, and the fifth will give you the higher level view so you can use it.
Be aware that this will probably take you two years of effort. But grounding in one area tends to spill over into other areas. But, hey, how could you live a full life without a good grounding in algebraic geometry over finite fields?