I found "Le Ton Beau De Marot: In Praise of the Music of Language" by Hofstadter a bit more enjoyable than GEB. If only because the former concentrated on language and the art of its translation while the latter on pretty much everything. On the whole a tighter, more organized presentation.
So if GEB loses your interest try this other one.
Thanks,
I made it half way through GEB 15 years ago, and it’s sat on my shelf for a long time making me feel guilty. This time I will finish it (a pride thing). I’ll glady take your advice and check out his other book.