I just passed on 10/2/2018. I used the practice questions from the Sybex 8th edition official study guide and used skillset.com practice questions. I did not read book at all since I never seem to retain any information that way.
My experience was very much like your own in that I could only glean a vague understanding of what was actually being asked in each question. I suppose I guessed enough correct answers since I passed! My test finished for me at 122.
