This is an interesting post - as a published author myself - non-fiction, the world of the novelist or story teller has never really appealed to me. That said, my late Dad told some great kids stories - not just to me, but his grandchildren - I only wish I'd asked him to write them down years ago. Sadly, I only have one story left - almost complete.
I think like many here, celebrity biogs are a thing to avoid at all costs - celebs are like fashion items, a passing fad. Some may be a good read - say like Pam Ayres - but it does depend on whether you connect with their humour or lifestyle perhaps.
People celebrated as 'great authors' or 'novelists' can write some of the most boring text ever - I found Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" as dull as dishwater, and I am not drawn to completely read that Kerouac thing. I will devour Larsson's work, or Camilleri, along with Val McDermid, but Harold Robbins, or Jilly Cooper are just tree vandals.
I guess in the end it is about what you like and enjoy.
On the original post - please encourage your friends daughter to be persistent, and on no account give up.