Pretty much like every other system it has its pros and cons. And those really depend on what you like in RPG systems.
So, you’re probably only gonna find out if it’s for you if you’ll give it a try.
Many things are much easier than in previous editions or other systems (such as Pathfinder e.g.). That (un)fortunately also means that your character doesn’t get that many abilities/bonuses. And many abilities have limited use (‘needs a short or long rest’ to do it again). AFAIK any kind of bonus/penalty you could have gotten from things like flanking, being prone, etc. has been ‘converted’ to advantage and disadvantage (roll twice, take the more or less favorable result).
You can also do anything you want on your turn without having to think about standard actions, move actions, swift actions, etc. So if you have two attacks you can move, attack, move, attack again as long as your movement speed allows for that. Attacks of opportunity have been simplified as well.
The list of things that could provoke one in Pathfinder (A funny video explaining AoO) has been reduced to ‘leaving the area threatened by an enemy’.
So you can move around an enemy if you want to without provoking an attack of opportunity. In return there is no more 5-foot-step (which again has its pros and cons)
All of this simplifies things but isn’t necessarily good tbh.
However I like it and I am a big fan of Pathfinder. I’m missing a couple of things from Pathfinder and I don’t know yet how the system will perform in a longer campaign but I’d say, give it a try and you’ll find out for yourself!
Simon will probably be more than happy having you join our 5e campaign (even if its just for a session) 
But coming back to your questions: Yes, I would recommend it for new players but I’d also recommend Pathfinder, 3.5 etc… With the right GM any system can be fun for a new player. 
