I think SICP is way too hard for the amount of material it wishes to explicitly convey to you. If we were speaking thoroughly, what do people expect to get out of SICP?
It feels very similar to a mathematical book. Rather than learning about the syntax, or the programming rules It teaches a way of thinking. I agree it is hard - but I don't know if it could be simpler.
In the end programming is not about computers or programs - but people solving problems. It teaches people to solve problems using computers.
Scheme notation is effectively AST, thus you can mentally map any PL to it and at the same time avoid getting caught up in the syntax issues of any given language.
Agreed working through SICP is a non-trivial experience. However, what you learn will provide solid foundations for your professional future regardless what languages you end up using.