Investigative journalist Amy Herdy discussed her book “Diary of a Predator” and gave some insight into the question of “Does society create a monster?” at Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor’s weekly lunch on April 12.

The book chronicles her communication with serial rapist Brent Brents, who is serving 1,509 years for his crimes. He opened up to her about his childhood abuse, life and crimes, helping her to understand how he became who he is.

She is still in contact with Brents to this day, and you can visit her blog “Diary of a Predator” to catch a glimpse of some of their interactions, as well as feedback from survivors and their friends and family.

Herdy believes that, as a society, we need to look at rapists and how we create people like Brent.

She explained that she does not believe asking women to carry the burden of protecting themselves is the answer. Instead, according to Herdy, we as a society need to focus on the predators, not the victms.

Read the Journal’s previous coverage of Herdy’s recent documentary “The Hunting Grounds” by visiting www.sanjuanjournal.com and searching “Herdy.”