The book was optioned for a feature film, Midnight Rider, which was eventually cancelled after a train accident on set caused the death of a member of the crew.

He eventually showed it to Michael Lehman, his manager from 2003 onward, who suggested begin in earnest on a memoir and connected him with a publishing company.

"[6] Marco della Cava of USA Today wrote, "A soul-searching rumination on a hard-lived life [...] My Cross to Bear carries a welcome seal of honesty.

[...] The book's tone is so open and engaging, My Cross to Bear could appeal even to readers whose knowledge of the band begins and ends with "Ramblin' Man"," said Howard Cohen of PopMatters.

[8] John Soeder of The Plain Dealer felt that "Allman maintains a folksy, conversational tone [...] his candor makes for a compelling read.

"[9] Andy Lewis of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that "As narrator of his private life, Allman is uneven — honest but not particularly insightful.

"[12] Billboard ranked it 85 on their 2016 list of the "100 Greatest Music Books of All Time", noting, "Gregg Allman may have a gruff image, but he pours his heart and soul out to co-writer Alan Light for this autobiography.