I started, as a beginner, at the wee age of 8 or so +/-, with my dads 1911 and a 4" police positive. Started my wife at the range with everything I own...1911, Sig 229, Glock 17, 3913, 4" 19, 2.5" 19 and my 642...she has commandeered my 642. So I went out and replaced it with a 640 no dash .38. That 640 is slowly becoming my favorite personal carry piece. Oh, I am not going to let the wife shoot this one.
To answer the OP's question, give the Noob some options and let them decide, help them learn how to handle, shoot and clean their choice of sidearm. Go to the range with them and don't try to talk them into a certain gun.
I am no longer a Noob and have sold all my bottom feeder save for my 1911 Commander and I have carried a 19-4 snub for... oh the last 7-8 years now.