I agree a sampler is a great way for a new quilter to get used to and introduced to new blocks. Quilt In A Day (Elanore Burns) has several books (ex. Under Ground Rail road Quilt) with blocks that are made simple. Also quilter's cache online has many easier blocks. Just look at the rating. This way if you do not like the block you only have to make one or you can even skip it when you are partially in to it but do not like it.