I certainly agree that rank beginners need to play chess, preferably with someone that is not much better than they are. This is so that they don't become discouraged. Playing the local expert can really turn you off! Then, if you enjoy the game (Chess is not for everyone) then you need to begin a program of study. A good chess club can help you here. But unfortunately, these don't always exist where you are at.
Reading a chess book can be very tedious. What is worst, most chess books are not aimed at the beginning and low intermediate players! I would recommend that a beginning or low intermediate, take a look at the articles written by Dan Heisman at the Novice Nook:
http://danheisman.home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Articles/Novice_Nook_Links.htm
And play chess at chess.com in the level range where you are comfortable. Then after your game, use the viewer and replay your game. This will take a bit of time: I find it takes probably 4 to 5 times the length of time that I played the game. Try to understand every move that you played and comment on it. What was your plan? What did you see at the time of the game and what to you see now? Do you think you found the best move?
Then submit the game for analysis (you may need a membership upgrade for this service.) Does the analysis agree with what you found? If not why not? The big differences will occur when you blunder: study these and understand why you blundered! But even the small differences can give you a different perspective on the game.
Good luck and enjoy playing chess!
IRL= in real life :)