I can see why some people think it‘s corny but I think that’s part of the earnestness of the tone, and it’s supposed to be earnest because it’s supposed to be a shameless confessional letter written to his Ma, who is unable to read. I loved this book, especially the last half. One of my fave quotes:

“Let no one mistake us for the fruit of violence - but that violence, having passed through the fruit, failed to spoil it.”