If you are truely new to all this, a rc club is essential. Seeing the planes assembled, talking to guys, and getting assistance building , maidening, and flying is priceless.
The plane I would reccommend to a first timer is the Kyosho Calmato high wing trainer. Looks good flys easily and predictably, and best of all, is the simplest to assemble of any plane i've ever seen. bolt a motor on, put in your battery, servos, and radio... you're done! You don't mess with hinges or linkage... no glue needed!!! An experenced person can go from opening the box to flying in about 45 minutes... slightly longer than it would take for one part to be epoxied in a regular ARF.
Next step up from there would be the Kyosho Calmato SPORT.. a low wing trainer/ aerobatic plane.
Good luck and happy flying!!!!
Mike