C++ programming

I finally decided to learn some C++ so I can help improving existing free software and to be able to create own helper applications.
In fact, C++ seems to be a language difficult to learn. Having some knowledge in Basic and shell scripting, C++ is more complex and abstract.
The problem is not to start writing some C++, the problem is to get enough knowledge to understand existing code.
I fear it will last a long time until I can read code written by others, and I'm curious if I will continue learning C++.